Jean de Selys Longchamps


Jean Michel P.M.G. de Selys Longchamps DFC was a Belgian aristocrat and RAF fighter pilot during World War II who is chiefly notable for his solo 1943 attack on the Gestapo headquarters in Brussels in German-occupied Belgium.

Military career

A Belgian cavalry officer with the 1er Régiment des Guides, he escaped with the BEF from Dunkirk returning to France before it finally fell. Trying to join the allies again he was interned by the Vichy authorities but escaped to Britain and was accepted for flight training with the RAF. He was posted to No. 609 Squadron RAF and flew Hawker Typhoons.
He is remembered for his unauthorised solo airstrike on the Gestapo headquarters located at 453 Avenue Louise in Brussels on 20 January 1943, which led to his demotion for acting without orders, but he was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions. He also dropped a Belgian flag. After the attack, the Nazis admitted four fatalities and five serious injuries.
A bust commemorating Longchamps' actions now stands near the site.
He was killed 16 August 1943 when his aircraft crashed on landing at RAF Manston after a sortie over Ostend.
His body was buried in Minster-in-Thanet. A commemoration of his life was held on 16 August 2013 in conjunction with the Royal British Legion.