Moving tribute to Belgian aircrew

Belgian aircrew who fought in the Battle of Britain were remembered in a moving service at the Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall on Tuesday 17 November.

The poignant but colourful ceremony was organised by the UK branch of the Royal Federation of Belgian Veterans and included a number of pieces of music including Abide with me played by Pipe Major Deiderik De Jaeger, along with a minute’s silence, wreath laying and Last Post.

Chris Russell, president of the federation’s UK branch, said the organisation’s aim was that “no Belgian fallen shall be forgotten on UK soil”. This was the second year in which the service has been held at the Memorial.

The service, which took place under a blue sky after weeks of grey, wet weather, was attended by the president of The Royal Federation of Belgian Veterans Leon De Turck and the Colonel Commandant of Brussels Christ Maseure. It also featured both the Belgian and British national anthems.

Prayers were led by the federation’s chaplain, the Rev Sandra Marsh. Of the 28 Belgian aircrew who fought in the Battle of Britain, nine survived.