Question about allied and axis planes stationed in Belgium in WWII.

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hi guys,

I was talking to my grandmother recentely, and she told me some stories about WWII that I’ve heard hundred of times before from her, but I still enjoy listening to them…

She told me that in the little village, where she used to live then, called Vissenaken, the Germans maid an airfield in the beginning of the war.

My grandmother her parents had a café in Vissenaken, where German troops stationed in the area used to come to have a pint of beer in the evening. Also, after the liberation many British and American troopes came to the café.

She told me that one day, some German pilots from the airfield came in. They still weared their leather flyinghelmets to show to everyone that they where pilots…

After some ( maybe many ! ) drinks my her dad ( my overovergrandfather) asked the pilots some things like wich aircraft they flew, etc…

What my grandmother still remembers is that the pilots told they flew in a plane manned with 2 man.

She also remembers that she used to see many German bi-planes landing on the airstrip.

So, I’m thinking of building a German model of an aircraft stationed in Vissenaken during WWII.

Also this airfield was used by the USAF after the liberation.

Do you guys know what aircraft that should be? I think it might be a Hs-123.

Also, is there a website or something where I can find info about where certain planes where stationed in WWII? Axis and alllied.

Cheers,

Jürgen

2

Depending on what period of the war your grandmother was talking it was more than likely the aircraft were either Bf 110s or Me 210/410 - I rather doubt it was the Hs 123 as it was a single seater, a ground support aircraft and largely removed from the western front just after France had fallen.

3

Thanks !

She told me that the Germans started the build of the airfield in the beginning of the war.

The Germans attacked Belgium in Mai 1940, and some months later they started the work.

The airfield remained in service till the end of the war.

It was used by Greman troops till september 1944, and later by allied troops.

I haven’t visited the airfield yet, but it seems to be totally vanished: it is the property of a farmer now. Ans someone has a large flower shop on it.

Is it possible that Bf-110 could land and take of from small airfields?

Cheers,

Jürgen