De Puysseleyr Joseph F.V.R. (RAF n° 100652)
Distinguished Flying Cross, Knight in the Order of Léopold with Palms, Croix de Guerre with Palms,
Croix des Évades,
(Kindly provided by Pip Wuersch, daughter of Joseph de Puysseleyr)

Born at Ghent, 17 October 1918. He was trainee at the Flying School in  Aé Mil when the War started. Transferred to France and arrived at Oujda in Morocco when France capitulated. Escaped with part of the School to Great Britain where he arrived on August 5th, 1940. After Training he left 58 OTU and was posted for flying duties to 131 Sqn where he arrived on 26 August 1941. Joined the newly formed 350 (Belgian) Squadron on 17 November 1941 but stayed there only for a few days, leaving for 24 Sqn on 3 December 1941. Posted to 541 Sqn on 15 January 1942. Promoted F/O on 15 July 1942, F/Lt on 6 July 1943. Left for 543 Sqn on 19 July 1943 and returned to 541 Sqn one month later. Dispatched a DFC on 15 September 1943. Died at Watford on January 9, 1945 returning from mission whilst flying at 541 Sqn (Spitfire PR IX , PL900).

 

Citation for the award of the DFC, dispatched on 15 September 1943

“This officer has successfully photographed enemy objectives ranging from places in Norway to the South of France, despite frequent opposition from enemy fighters and ground defences, he has successfully completed his missions."

 

 
             His claims are :-
 
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