The new generation meets the old
Aviation is not just a job, it's a passion. Small wonder then that many people are also passionate about it in their spare time! This certainly also applies to the volunteers of the Dutch "Koninklijke Luchtmacht Historische Vlucht", who will present two of their showpieces during the Belgian Air Force Days.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Flight is a foundation that calls Gilze-Rijen air force base in Dutch North Brabant home. Qualified volunteers work there to restore and preserve gems from Dutch aviation history. After all, this delicate work requires great expertise.
The first aircraft they bring to Kleine-Brogel is the North American B-25 Mitchell bomber, a medium-large twin-engined bomber from World War II that has served the Royal Netherlands Air Force for a long time, both in the Far East and here in Europe. A Dutch squadron that flew the B-25 within the British Royal Air Force was stationed in Melsbroek for a while during the liberation of Western Europe, so there is also a connection with Belgium.
The second aircraft that the KLu Historic Flight will present is also no stranger to Belgium, namely the Supermarine Spitfire. This legendary aircraft gained fame during the Second World War and was continuously developed in new variants to keep up with technological progress, from the Battle of Britain to the liberation in 1945. Countless Dutch and Belgian pilots who entered service with the RAF during the Second World War flew the Spitfire, and the type formed the backbone of air forces throughout Europe for a long time after the Second World War.
Come and discover this piece of aviation history yourself and share in the passion of the people at the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historic Flight during the Belgian Air Force Days 2023, on 9 and 10 September at Kleine-Brogel.
