BLADT, Robert

Stats:

rank: F/O
status: survived
airforce: RAF    (no: 1814840 )
born: 1919-05-14 Brussels Belgium

added by: Adrian Dwyer

'Bobby' Bladt enlisted in the Aé Mil before the War and escaped to UK via France and Spain, joining the RAF on 25 May 1942. He attended 5(P) AFU at Ternhill (16 February 1943), and then to 57 OTU at Hawarden, Wales (21 March 1943). He was posted to 350 Sqn as Sgt on 1 June 1943, and was commissioned P/O on 5 April 1944. Rested and posted to the RAF/Belgian Training School at RAF Snailwell on 31 March 1945, where he stayed until he was posted to N° 7 Flying Instructor School at RAF Upavon, on 30 January 1946. He was discharged from the RAF on 1st October 1946, and enlisted in the Belgian Air Force

Following a varied flying career - including service as a Test Pilot - he retired from active duty on 1st July 1969 but stayed in the Belgian Air Force Reserve until 1st July 1973. Bobby Bladt retired with the honorary rank of Lt-Colonel and he passed away on 18 February 2014.
(information by Cynrik De Decker and Allan Hillman)

Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 with Palm, Evader Cross, 1939-1943 Star, 1939-1945 Star,
Air Crew Europe Star with France and Germany Clasp