List of World War I aces from Belgium
Encyclopedia
Although Belgium was neutral as the initial attacks of World War I were launched, she was soon invaded by Germany and partially overrun. The Belgian Air Force
had been founded in 1909, and now found itself struggling to survive and expand under these severe conditions. Nevertheless, the tiny Belgian Air Force produced five flying aces, and a sixth one flew for the French Aéronautique Militaire. The leading Belgian ace was also the premier balloon buster
of the war.
Belgian Air Force
The Air Component, formerly the Belgian Air Force, is the air arm of the Belgian Armed Forces. Originally founded in 1909, it is one of the world's first air forces, and was a pioneer in aerial combat during the First World War...
had been founded in 1909, and now found itself struggling to survive and expand under these severe conditions. Nevertheless, the tiny Belgian Air Force produced five flying aces, and a sixth one flew for the French Aéronautique Militaire. The leading Belgian ace was also the premier balloon buster
Balloon buster
Balloon busters were military pilots known for destroying enemy observation balloons. These pilots were noted for their fearlessness. Seventy-six fighter pilots in World War I were each credited with destroying five or more balloons, and thus were balloon aces....
of the war.
- Willy CoppensWilly CoppensWilly Omer Francois Jean Coppens was Belgium's leading fighter ace and the champion "balloon buster" of World War I.-Background and Early Military Service:...
– 37 confirmed aerial victories - Andre de MeulemeesterAndré de MeulemeesterLieutenant Andre Emile Alfons de Meulemeester was a Belgian flying ace during World War I. He was credited with eleven confirmed and seventeen unconfirmed aerial victories.-World War I:...
– 11 confirmed aerial victories - Edmond ThieffryEdmond ThieffryEdmond Thieffry was a Belgian First World War air ace and aviation pioneer. He made, with Léopold Roger and Jef de Bruycker, the first successful flight between Belgium and Congo ....
– 10 confirmed aerial victories - Fernand JacquetFernand JacquetCaptain-Commandant Fernand Maximillian Leon Jacquet was a World War I flying ace credited with seven aerial victories. He was the first Belgian pilot to score an aerial victory, on 17 April 1915, and became the first Belgian ace on 1 February 1917. He was also the first Belgian pilot to fly his...
– 7 confirmed aerial victories - Adolphe DuBois d'AischeAdolphe DuBois d'AischeSergeant Adolphe Aloys Marie Hubert du Bois d'Aische was a Belgian World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories. Serving in the French Air Service, he was the oldest ace in the war, scoring his fifth victories when he was 43 years of age.-See also:List of World War I aces from Belgium...
– 6 confirmed aerial victories - Jan OlieslagersJan OlieslagersLieutenant Jan Olieslagers was a Belgian motorcycle and aviation pioneer who set world records with both types of machinery. He became a flying ace during World War I despite his indifference in claiming victories; he was credited with six confirmed victories, seventeen unconfirmed, and an unknown...
– 6 confirmed aerial victories