Remembrance Day 2022 - pilots of 1847 RNAS FAA

[Hanno Spoelstra]

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In 1944, six of the twelve pilots of 1847 RNAS lost their lives due to training accidents – all in less than four months. As a result, 1847 Sqn was disbanded and absorbed into 1840 Sqn. The seventh pilot of 1847 Sqn was killed later while serving in operations with 1844 Sqn.

On Remembrance Day 2022 I share their names so we do not forget the Fleet Air Arm's Flying Dutchmen and their British brothers in arms of 1847 RNAS FAA.

1. Johannes Blok RNN - my grand-uncle
2. Simon de Ridder RNN
3. Hugh Grenville Knowles RN
4. Erick Hendrik den Hollander RNN
5. Franciscus Cornelis Marie Brogtrop RNN
6. Hendrik Christiaan de Jager RNN
7. John David Standish Smithwick RNVR

See https://www.facebook.com/groups/Flee...FlyingDutchmen for more information about these pilots

#remembranceday #lestweforget2022

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Pilots of 1847 FAA Squadron on RNAS Eglinton, March 1944.

Left to right, standing:
1. S/Lt. John David Standish Smithwick RNVR, MIA 12/4/1945
2. S/Lt. Hendrik Christiaan de Jager RNN, KIA 18/5/1944
3. S/Lt. J. Schwenke RNN
4. S/Lt Simpson
5. CPO Rob R. Twijssel RNN
6. CPO Frans Cornelis Marie Brogtrop RNN, KIA 18/5/1944
7. CPO Simon de Ridder RNN, KIA 27/3/1944

Left to right, sitting:
1. Lt. Hugh Grenville Knowles RN, KIA 22/4/1944
2. Lt. Gerry Volkersz RNN
3. Lt. Cdr. A. Colville-Stewart RNVR, 1847 Sqn Commanding Officer 1/2/1944 to 20/5/1944
4. Lt. Karel A. La Bree RNN
5. Lt. Johan Blok RNN, KIA 27/3/1944

RNN = Royal Netherlands Navy