This paratrooper vignette was part of the exhibition at the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels
Category: musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire
Junkers Ju-52
The Ju52 was the last in a series of corrugated metal-skinned Junkers aircraft. The first aircraft, fitted with a single engine, flew in October 1930. The first three-engined version, the Ju52/3m, flew in April 1932.
This Junkers Ju-52 on display at the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels was built for the Portuguese Air Force in 1937 and originally flew with the serial 109, later changed to 6309. Retired in 1972 and stored in Lisbon for the Portuguese Air Force museum until shipped to Belgium in 1985 for restoration to fly by the SABENA Old Timers. This was abandoned and the aircraft went on permanent display at the museum.
Dassault M.D.450 Ouragan
An Armee de L’air Ouragan (“UQ”) is displayed at the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels.
The Dassault M.D.450 Ouragan is a French fighter-bomber developed and produced by Dassault Aviation. It has its origins in a private venture by Dassault to produce an all-French aircraft which would make use of jet propulsion.
Belgian Universal Carrier
The Universal Carrier, also known as the Bren Gun Carrier is a common name describing a family of light armoured tracked vehicles built by Vickers-Armstrong.
The carrier is marked in the colours of the Brigade Piron, a Belgian force that fought with the Allies during World War II. This carrier was on display at the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels.
Douglas DC-3
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner.
It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front-line service with various military operators for many years.
Belgian Agusta A109 Helicopter
In 1988 Belgium placed an order for 46 helicopters of the A 109 type. They are tasked with various missions: observation, anti-tank operations, fire support, liaison and medical evacuation. Some ten units were still operational in 2020
Belgian 5th Special Air Service Regiment Jeep
This Belgian 5th Special Air Service Regiment Jeep complete with bullet holes, was on display at the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels.
The Belgian 5th Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), a special airborne unit, specialised in sabotage and military intelligence gathering during World War II.
The Willys MB and the Ford GPW, both formally called the U.S. Army Truck, 1⁄4-ton, 4×4, Command Reconnaissance, commonly known as the Jeep. The jeep became the primary light wheeled transport vehicle of the United States Military and its Allies in World War II, as well as the postwar period, with President Eisenhower once calling it, “one of three decisive weapons the U.S. had during WWII.”
Kübelwagen
The Volkswagen Kübelwagen is a military light utility vehicle designed by Ferdinand Porsche and built by Volkswagen during World War II for use by the German military.
This Kübelwagen was on display at the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels.
Belgian Air Force Fairchild C-119
The Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar was an American military transport aircraft renowned for its distinctive twin-boom and boxy fuselage design, which earned it its popular nickname. Developed from the World War II-era Fairchild C-82 Packet, the C-119 made its initial flight in November 1947, and over 1,100 units were produced before manufacturing ceased in 1955. Designed to haul cargo, troops (up to 62 fully equipped), litter patients, and mechanised equipment, its rear “clamshell” doors and high fuselage allowed for easy straight-in loading and the aerial deployment of large objects and paratroopers.
Belgian Air Force Hawker Hurricane
Prior to World War II, the Belgian government ordered 20 Hawker Hurricane Mk. I fighters and a license to produce another 80 from the British. These aircraft were intended to replace older biplanes and were equipped with Rolls-Royce Merlin II engines and two-bladed propellers. By May 1940, only 15 of the British-built Hurricanes had been delivered. In addition, Belgium also acquired four Hurricanes that made emergency landings in the country during the “Phoney War” and were incorporated into the air force. Avions Fairey, a Belgian company, started licensed production and managed to complete two aircraft before the German invasion.
When Germany invaded on May 10, 1940, most of Belgium’s Hurricanes were destroyed on the ground during an early morning raid. Only a few managed to take off and engage in combat. The remaining Hurricanes were destroyed the following day during ground attacks.
While the Hurricane’s service with the pre-war Belgian Air Force was brief and tragic, the aircraft later returned to the country. After the war, in 1946, the newly formed Belgian Air Force acquired six former RAF Hurricane Mk. IIs. These aircraft, a mix of Mk. IIB and Mk. IIC models, had their armaments removed and were used for fast communications and as instructional airframes. Their service was also short-lived, with the remaining flying examples being withdrawn by 1947. One of these post-war Hurricanes is now preserved and on display at the Royal Army Museum in Brussels.