The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. A C A Michiels

Albert Charles Antoine Michiels was born in Schaerbeek, Brussels on 2nd November 1915 and was serving in the Belgian Air Force before the war with the 3rd Aviation Regiment as a Radio Operator/Machine Gunner, probably in Fairey Battles.

Escaping to England after the fall of France he was posted to 235 Squadron as an Observer in Blenheims on 26th September 1940.

He later underwent pilot training at 5 FTS between 9th July and 31st October 1941. He was commissioned in January 1943.

Michiels was killed on 16th July 1944 serving with 350 (Belgian) Squadron operating Spitfires. He was detailed to ferry F/O Triest from Woodley to Cosford in Magister R1858. On the return journey the aircraft was observed to descend from 400ft. and fly at very low level over fields. It climbed slightly to avoid trees but the starboard wing clipped one and the aircraft crashed, killing Michiels instantly.

He was buried at Brookwood Cemetery but his remains were repatriated to Belgium after the war and lie in the Pelouse d'Honneur within the cemetery at Evere, Brussels.

Photos and additional research courtesy of Andre Bar at www.bamfbamrs.be/RAF/index.htm