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Memorial to Belgian pilot Willy Coppens, Klerken, Belgium
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Memorial to Belgian pilot Willy Coppens, Klerken, Belgium
The small memorial to Heldhaftig Piloot Willy Coppens is in the Willy Coppens Plein in Klerken. He was Belgians leading fighter ace and, like American Frank Luke, he specialised in shooting down balloons. He was knighted after the war, taking his title from the forest at Houlthurst. Date: 2016
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Media ID 23372934
© Holts Battlefield Collection / Mary Evans
2016 Balloons Belgian Belgians Forest Frank Ieper Knighted Leading Luke Pilot Shooting Specialised Taking Title Willy Ypres Plein
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This evocative print depicts the small memorial dedicated to the brave Belgian pilot, Willy Coppens, located in the Willy Coppens Plein of Klerken. Willy Coppens (1892-1973) was a leading fighter ace in the Belgian Air Force during World War I, renowned for his exceptional skill in shooting down enemy observation balloons. His heroic actions earned him the title "Heldhaftig Piloot," or "Valiant Pilot," in Dutch. Born in Houlthurst Forest, Coppens joined the Belgian military aviation corps in 1911. During the First World War, he flew over the battlefields of Ypres and Ieper, becoming one of the most successful Allied fighter pilots, with a total of 33 confirmed victories. His achievements were comparable to those of American pilot Frank Luke, who also specialized in balloon destruction. After the war, Coppens was knighted for his bravery and contributions to the Belgian military. The memorial in Klerken stands as a testament to his legacy and the courage he displayed during the conflict. The photo print, taken in 2016, captures the quiet tranquility of the memorial, surrounded by lush greenery, as it stands proudly in honor of this remarkable Belgian hero.
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