World War II baron Jean de Selys Longchamps
During World War II, it were not always Kings, Queens or even generals
who did their duties. Most of them where ordinary men, but baron
Jean de Selys Longchamps wasn't ordinary at all!
Jean de Selys Longchamps was born on 31 May 1912 in Brussels, Belgium.
He had lots of noble roots through the family of his father which went back in
time till the rule of the Prince Bishops at Liège. Jean de Selys Longchamps
held the title of a Baron. His mother, Emilie de Theux de Meylandt and
Montjardin was from a noble family too.
Little Jean spent his youth at the castle of Longchamps, near Borgloon.
After his studies in law, Jean de Selys entered the First Regiment Guides.
World War II
When World War II began in Belgium at 10 May 1940, he participated in the
fights at the Leie near Ghent.
After the capitulation of Belgium, on 28 May 1940, he wanted to go to
England to continue the Battle against the nazi's.
He went to Dunkirk and reached the British expeditionary force at the beach
and there he was evacuated to England.
In the United Kingdom Jean de Seleys allowed himself to join the RAF.
He became a part of the 609th. squadron.
A hero
On 20 January 1943, Jean de Selys Longchamps makes a flight from
England to Brussels, there he attacked the building of the Gestapo with
a machine gun. During this attack he dropped a Belgian flag.
This would make him the most famous Belgium RAF
pilot.
During the night from 15 till 16th August 1943, almost 8 months after his
famous act, he flew again to Belgium, but near Ghent his plane was hit
and he had to make an emergency landing, just before reaching the ground
the plane broke into two pieces. Jean de Selys Longchamps died on that
day.
Nowadays, Jean de Selys Longchamps has a remembrance plate at the
Louisalaan in Brussels.
He received the distinguished Order of the Flying Cross
(United Kingdom) and the Order of Leopold (Leopold).
Some history of the family Jean de Selys Longchamps
In 1656, Michel de Selys the former mayor of Liège, together with his
brothers Hubertus and Godefridus recieved a noble rank from the
Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III.
In 1699, Michel's grandson, Walter de Selys received the title baron
from the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I. Through a marriage with
a Longchamps their descendants took the name de Selys Longchamps.
Delphine Boël
The mother of Delphine Boël, who claims to be the natural daughter of
King Albert II of Belgium, calls Sybille de Selys Longchamps. This
Sybille is a niece from the famous Belgian RAF pilote
Jean de Selys Longchamps.
Source pictures: Wikipedia
who did their duties. Most of them where ordinary men, but baron
Jean de Selys Longchamps wasn't ordinary at all!
Jean de Selys Longchamps was born on 31 May 1912 in Brussels, Belgium.
He had lots of noble roots through the family of his father which went back in
time till the rule of the Prince Bishops at Liège. Jean de Selys Longchamps
held the title of a Baron. His mother, Emilie de Theux de Meylandt and
Montjardin was from a noble family too.
Jean de Selys Longchamps
Little Jean spent his youth at the castle of Longchamps, near Borgloon.
After his studies in law, Jean de Selys entered the First Regiment Guides.
World War II
When World War II began in Belgium at 10 May 1940, he participated in the
fights at the Leie near Ghent.
After the capitulation of Belgium, on 28 May 1940, he wanted to go to
England to continue the Battle against the nazi's.
He went to Dunkirk and reached the British expeditionary force at the beach
and there he was evacuated to England.
In the United Kingdom Jean de Seleys allowed himself to join the RAF.
He became a part of the 609th. squadron.
A hero
On 20 January 1943, Jean de Selys Longchamps makes a flight from
England to Brussels, there he attacked the building of the Gestapo with
a machine gun. During this attack he dropped a Belgian flag.
This would make him the most famous Belgium RAF
pilot.
During the night from 15 till 16th August 1943, almost 8 months after his
famous act, he flew again to Belgium, but near Ghent his plane was hit
and he had to make an emergency landing, just before reaching the ground
the plane broke into two pieces. Jean de Selys Longchamps died on that
day.
Nowadays, Jean de Selys Longchamps has a remembrance plate at the
Louisalaan in Brussels.
He received the distinguished Order of the Flying Cross
(United Kingdom) and the Order of Leopold (Leopold).
Some history of the family Jean de Selys Longchamps
In 1656, Michel de Selys the former mayor of Liège, together with his
brothers Hubertus and Godefridus recieved a noble rank from the
Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III.
In 1699, Michel's grandson, Walter de Selys received the title baron
from the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I. Through a marriage with
a Longchamps their descendants took the name de Selys Longchamps.
Delphine Boël
The mother of Delphine Boël, who claims to be the natural daughter of
King Albert II of Belgium, calls Sybille de Selys Longchamps. This
Sybille is a niece from the famous Belgian RAF pilote
Jean de Selys Longchamps.
Source pictures: Wikipedia
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