Lieuts. Verrhagen and Rondeaux

LotterA240 · 29 December 2013, 11:26 PM

Hi,

I have this cool photo postcard of these two Belgian fliers. They are standing by their Sopwith plane. I think it's a 1 1/2 Strutter, not sure. Also, there's a beautiful dog with them. I assume the dog was a squadron mascot. Could someone tell me more about these aviators, such as their squadron, any victories they may have had. Any other interesting information. My mistake, the one officers name was Verhagen, one r not two.

John

Froggy · 30 December 2013, 12:17 AM

Bonjour

here is the photo
Aerodrome Haeren (Haren) * Nos Aviateurs: Lieut. Rondeau et Verhaegen (Aéroport - Airport - Flughafen) - Delcampe.net

Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter

Cordialement
Bruno

LotterA240 · 30 December 2013, 11:21 PM

Hi Froggy,

Thanks for the information. Any idea what squadron they were with? Also, I was told you could help with a post I put up about Marcel Nogues. Could you look at that post and see if you could answer my questions?

John

Froggy · 31 December 2013, 12:26 AM

Bonjour John

I am not specialist for WW1 belgian air force but I'ill try to find what you are asking

For Marcel Nogues no problem , I'ill answer to your questions Asap

meanwhile, I wish you a happy new year

Cordialement
Bruno

ONEALM · 31 December 2013, 08:58 AM

John -

The definitive source would be Walter Pieters superb book "the Belgian Air Service in the First World War."

From that -

Romeo Joseph VERHAEGEN (observer) - Esc II, 4me & 2me Escadrilles.

Raymond Eduoard Julien RONDEAU (pilot) - Esc V, 4me, 6me & 7me Escadrilles.

There were at least 2 RONDEAUs in service, but I'm certain Raymond is your man. since both Rondeau an Verhaegen served in the 4me Escadrille and that unit had Sopwith 1 1/2's in the summer of 1917, we might even make the assumption that this was taken while with that unit. .

If you've any interest in the Belgian Air Service, I can't recommend Walter's book highly enough.

-Mike

LotterA240 · 31 December 2013, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ONEALM

John -

The definitive source would be Walter Pieters superb book "the Belgian Air Service in the First World War."

From that -

Romeo Joseph VERHAEGEN (observer) - Esc II, 4me & 2me Escadrilles.

Raymond Eduoard Julien RONDEAU (pilot) - Esc V, 4me, 6me & 7me Escadrilles.

There were at least 2 RONDEAUs in service, but I'm certain Raymond is your man. since both Rondeau an Verhaegen served in the 4me Escadrille and that unit had Sopwith 1 1/2's in the summer of 1917, we might even make the assumption that this was taken while with that unit. .

If you've any interest in the Belgian Air Service, I can't recommend Walter's book highly enough.

-Mike

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the help. Is this book available from Amazon and is it in English? Also, thanks for giving me the correct spelling of Rondeau's name. Are there photos of these men in the book? What does Esc II and Esc V mean? I think my misspelling their names was because their names were on the edge of the postcard and didn't come out clearly. Too bad they didn't give the name of the dog in the photo. It appears that Verhaegen is carrying a walking stick. Was this something that was common?

Regards,
John

ONEALM · 1 January 2014, 06:37 AM

John -

There are head shots of both men with a more complete bio in the book. I covers every known Belgian aviator so each bio is really a synopsis, but the book really is fantastic.

Check Jack Herris' Aeronaut Books website here:

Aviation history books

Page down to see Walter's book. At $99 it's a little spendy, but it's a phone book sized work, great photos, color profiles, hardback bound. The shipping wgt of 7 pounds should be a clue to it's size.

Esc II is exactly that - Escadrille II. I'm not well versed on the Belgian Air Service, but I suspect the answer regarding the unit names - Escadrille II vs. 3me Escadrille for example - is in Walter's book.

Not sure about the walking stick. Popular with the Brits so perhaps just an affectation for the Belgians as well.

Happy New Year -
Mike

LotterA240 · 1 January 2014, 11:09 AM

Hi Mike,

Thanks I just ordered the book last night, along with a book about Nieuports in the war. Yes I imagine the book will answer the question regarding unit designations. Odd that they'd have two different designations. The walking stick looks rather plain. I might put the photo up later today, though I'm sure the forum members will be familiar with it already.

John