Above Flanders' Fields
A Complete Record of the Belgian Fighter Pilots and Their Units During the Great War, 1914-1918 by Walter M. Pieters Hardcover: 123 pages Publisher: Grub Street (May 1998) Language: English ISBN: 1898697833
"This volume, another addition to Grub Street's superb WWI
aviation reference works, is a fascinating study of every Belgian fighter pilot of the
war. Following Grub Street's typical format, the book offers a welcome look at a neglected
subject: the Aviation Miltaire Belge.
The book profiles 80 Belgian fighter pilots with fairly
extensive biographical sketches. Each entry includes all victory claims and an overview of
what is known of each pilot's career. To the author's credit, these are not just dry
recitations of fact, from time to time he includes colorful background information. There
is also a map of Belgian operating areas and an overview of each squadron and with its
high scorers. Fourteen appendices fill out the information provided in the book with
fascinating details, including structure of the air force, offensive patrols, combats
engaged in, claims by date for each pilot and a list of probable victories.
This little volume has a wonderful section of photographs
that includes pictures of each Belgian pilot. Some of the photos provide excellent
background detail on Belgian aircraft. The author, himself a Belgian, has an passion for
his subject and an eye for detail that comes through on each and every page. Despite
occasional moments of nationalistic fervor, he is an honest reporter of fact, detailing
incidents in the careers of some pilots who were not known for their bravery.
While not a large volume, this book covers an important
aspect of the air war that has often been neglected. It is a testament to 80 Belgian
airmen who did so much, in such small numbers. One comes away with an appreciation for the
Aviation Miltaire Belge and a knowledge of airmen other than Willy Coppens. Above
Flanders' Field is wonderful book and rates 5 stars!"
Reviewed by John Gypson

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