BECKERS, Guy A J

Stats:

rank: F/L
status: survived
airforce: RAF    (no: 117602 )
born: 1914-06-17 Lier Belgium

added by: Adrian Dwyer

On 16 September 1935, Guy Beckers took joined the Aéronautique Militaire Belge. Washed out as student pilot, he was readmitted as Air Gunner and after the requisite course he joined 5/III/2. In May 1940, when Germans invaded Belgium, his unit went to France. He returned to Belgium when France Surrendered, arriving on 23 August 1940. Guy escaped from Belgium on 10 January 1941 but was eventually arrested in Spain, where he was sent to the prisoner camp at Miranda (4 May 1941). Liberated on 20 October 1941, he made his way to Great Britain - arriving on 4 January 1942.

He joined the RAFVR on 9 May 1942 and was commissioned as Pilot Officer. On May 30, 1942, he joined the 17 ITW. Further postings were: 6 EFTS (17 June 1942), 2 Air Crew Dispatch Centre (18 July 1942), 31 EFTS (26 September 1942), 37 SFTS (3 December 1942). Promoted F/O on 9 March 1943, he joined the Personal Dispatch Centre where he arrived on 3 April 1943. Further training saw him at the 7 Personal Dispatch Centre (24 May 1943), 5 PAFU (15 June 1943) and 61 OTU where he arrived on 2 August 1943.

He was posted to 350 (Belgian) Squadron on 26 October 1943. On 9 March 1944, he was promoted to F/Lt.

Later in 1944 he was posted to 1687 flight to fly as 2nd pilot on Halifax heavy bombers. Further postings were: 1656 Conversion Unit NOFD (20 November 1944)and 83 GSU (29 March 1945). Guy Beckers Joined the Belgian Air Force after the War and finally left Active duty on 18 August 1947.

Knight in the Order of Leopold, Knight in the Order of the Crown, Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940,
Fouragère 1940, Military Decoration 2nd Class, Croix des Evadés, Resistance Medal

(Info kindly provided by André Bar)