Operation: Communications flight

Date: 16th July 1944 (Sunday)

Unit: No. 350 Squadron (Belgian)

Type: Miles Magister

Serial: R1858

Base: RAF Woodley, Reading, Berkshire.

Location: Honeybourne, Worcestershire

Pilot: Fl/Lt. Albert Charles Antoine Michiels 141761 RAFVR (B) Age 29. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Taking off at 10.35 hrs with F/O. Triest as a passenger to RAF Cosford. Leaving F/O. Triest there, took off again at 12.06 hrs to return to RAF Woodley.          

Shortly afterwards at around 12.30 hrs the Magister was seen flying level at about 400 ft. The aircraft then lost height and was flying very low, beneath tree height. The aircraft turned gently to avoid some trees but the starboard wingtip clipped a tree, ripping the wing from the base of the fuselage. Continuing on for another 70 yards when it hit another tree and crashed, killing the pilot instantly. 

                                                        

Fl/Lt. Albert Charles Antoine Michiels

Burial details:

Initially buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery. Plot 26. Row F. Grave 5. Reinterred after the war to Belgium.

Fl/Lt. Albert Charles Antoine Michiels. Brussels Town Cemetery. Belgian Field of Honour. Row 2. Grave 42. Next of Kin details currently not available - are you able to assist completion of these and any other information?

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to Belgium Losses: Josette Bens, Mr. Alain Rosseels, Johny Recour from Belgium for further information and photographs. Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Field of Honour, Brussels Cemetery.

Left: Field of Honour, Brussels Cemetery