WIX Archives
TFC site update - Presentation to Bea Beamont's family......
Posted by John S on Tue Jul 08, 2003 05:04:09 AM
In reply top null posted by null on null
....at Legends on Saturday.
Check out TFC site
www.fighter-collection.com
Extract below
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Presentation to Roland Bee Beamont's Family
4th July 2003
The Fighter Collection are pleased to announce that on Saturday 12th July at the Flying Legends air show, an historic event will take place. The Belgian Croix de Guerre will be awarded to the family of the late Roland Bee Beamont in The Friends of The Fighter Collection marquee at 12.30pm.
Bee Beamont was one of Britain's aviation pioneers, flying not only with distinction in the Second World War, but also as a highly regarded production test pilot.
It was whilst commanding 609 Squadron flying Typhoons that Bee flew with a number of Belgian Pilots. It was recognised recently by surviving members of 609 Squadron that Bee had never been awarded the Croix de Guerre, a medal to formally recognise acts of heroism.
This was rectified by representation to King Albert 11 of Belgium but sadly, Bee died without knowing the award had been granted. Lt General Baron Mike Donnet CVO, DFC who will be accompanied by Colonel Aviation Von Calembergh, Commanding Officer of the Belgian Air Force will make the presentation.
The members of 609 Sq who are also making the journey to Flying Legends for this event are:
Colonel Lern Branders, Pilot in 349 Sq 1944-1945
Colonel R Bladt, Pilot in 350 Sq 1943-1945
Mr Georges Jaspis, DFC, Pilot in 609 Sq 1943-1944
Mr De Bruyne, Pilot in 609 Sq 1944-1945
Mr Laumans, Pilot in 74 Sq 1941-1942, 350 Sq in 1942, Shot Down on 17th June 1942. Prisoner of War
Colonel R Lallemant, DFC, Pilot 609 Sq 1942-1943 Commanding Officer of 609 Sq in 1944
Brigadier General J Mathys, Pilot 609 Sq 1944-1945
Brigadier General Laforce, Pilot 609 Sq 1944-1945