  | Having survived the inclement weather during what has become known as ‘Fairford Week’, Trailendcharlies were on the road again, meeting at Ashford International Station on Monday evening, having first photographed the departures from The International Air Tattoo earlier in the day, and headed for the Channel Tunnel. After the short and uneventful trip across to France came the 3 1/2 hour drive through the night where howling winds and driving rain accompanied us to Kleine Brogel Air Base, Belgium, KB as it has become affectionately known was opened at the end of the Second World War to support the allied operations over the Rhine and Trailendcharlies had been granted media accreditation for the Operational Integration Exercise spotters’ day and celebration commemorating 20 years of the F-16 Operational Conversion Unit. As the sun rose we could see black clouds speeding across the sky, but at least there was the promise of some blue breaking through at times and after a brief stop at the main gate we entered the base and headed to obtain our press passes from the building behind which 3 F-104G’s sat forlornly in various states of disrepair. |
| Our hosts, the 10th Tactical Wing, consists of three squadrons one of which, 31 (Tiger) Squadron became operational on 1st October 1951 at Beauvechain and on 20th December during this same year relocated to Chievres to form 10 Wing operating Spitfire XIV’s until 7th July 1952. On September 1st 1953 the Squadron was reformed and moved to its current home at Kleine Brogel on February 1st 1955. Since its reformation in 1953, 31 Squadron has flown some of the most venerated American jets including the Lockheed T33, Republic’s F-84G Thunderjet and F-84F Thunderstreak, Lockheed’s F-104G Starfighter and currently flies the General Dynamics F-16AM and BM Fighting Falcon. |
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After coffee, briefing and a short bus journey we were deposited by the maintenance hanger, the beginning of the walk along the line of visiting aircraft, and what a line up. L-159A’s and JAS39C’s from the Czech Republic, F-16’s from the Danish, Hellenic, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish and Belgian Air Forces, Alpha Jet, Mirage 2000N and Rafale C’s from the French Air Force together with Rafale M’s from their Navy. Tornados from Germany, MB339CD’s from Italy, Typhoons and a VC10 from the UK. The highlights for me however were the Spanish F-5M of Ala 23 based at Talavera la Real, the Greek TA and A-7’s of 336 MV based at Araxos and the two F-4 Phantoms, one German from the Richthofen Squadron JG71 based at Wittmund and the other from 338 MPK based at Andravida, Greece. A stunning line up of current military hardware from several different nations parked 75 feet in front of us and with the sun illuminating them beautifully, yes at last the sun was shining and with a backdrop of trees the photography is an absolute delight. |
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349 Squadron, the second of the three squadrons making up 10 wing was formed as a Royal Air Force Squadron on 10th November 1942 at Ikeja in Nigeria, consisting of Belgian pilots who had escaped the German invasion, equipped with Tomahawks from January 1943 they were required to defend the Belgian Congo until the Squadron was diverted to ferrying fighters from West Africa to the Middle East. On 3rd May 1943, 349 Squadron was disbanded and its personnel were transferred to the UK where the Squadron reformed at Wittering with Spitfires on 5 June 1943, becoming operational on 13 August. The Squadron moved to Southend in October the same year and on 24th October began flying missions over France. During May 1944 349 Squadron joined 135 Squadron at Selsey participating in operations in preparation for the Normandy landings as well as covering the invasion. |
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349 Squadron moved again in August 1944, this time to France where it carried out fighter bomber and bomber escort missions until February 1945 when it returned to the UK and re-equipped with the Tempest V. The conversion was abandoned in April and the squadron moved to the Netherlands to join 132 Squadron for the remainder of the war, flying armed reconnaissance missions over Germany. After a period with the occupation forces based in Germany, 349 Squadron was transferred to the control of the Belgian Air Force on 24 October 1946 and to its new home in Beauvechain. Since the war, 349 Squadron have flown some of the worlds classic jet aircraft, Meteors, Hunters, CF-100 Canucks, F-104 Starfighters and was the first Squadron in Europe to fly its current aircraft, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The 349th Fighter Squadron moved to its current home at Kleine Brogel on 4th March 1996. |
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During the course of the afternoon the majority of the visiting aircraft launch for their respective missions allowing us the opportunity to watch and of course photograph at very close quarters the pre-flight checks and preparations before the aircraft taxi past. Anyone going or thinking of going to future events at KB, please take adequate ear protection as the noise during this time is literally deafening. During the wait for the aircraft to return the organizers arranged a mini air show where an F-16, CM170 Magister and several other aircraft entertained the crowd. After about an hour the first of the returning aircraft perform a run and break or two before recovery where once again the photographic opportunities are second to none as they taxi back past to park in their allotted space. |
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The third of the squadrons based at KB is the F-16 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) which was established on 1st September 1987 at Beauvechain and assigned with the task of providing basic conversion to the Fighting Falcon for young pilots and tactical training for the future air defence pilots. The training consists of academic studies, 40 operational flight training hours and approximately 100 flights. Since moving to its current home at Kleine Brogel on 4th March 1996 the OCU has been part of the 10th Tactical Wing. |
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When it comes to organized events, the day at Kleine Brogel is one, if not the highlight of the year, for which I would like to thank the organizers and in particular Peter Dewael for kindly inviting Trailendcharlies to attend, by the way Peter, if it’s not too cheeky to ask, an invitation to the next one would be most appreciated. |
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The journey back to the tunnel seemed to take no time at all as we re-lived the day with huge Cheshire cat grins on our faces, the way a good day out should end when you have been pottering around the world of aviation. |
| | words by
Brian Clark
images by
Mike Broad
Dave Vaughan
Brian Clark
Matt Critchley |
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