Jean de Selys Longchamps

Baron Jean Michel P.M.G. de Selys Longchamps DFC (31 May 1912 – 16 August 1943) was a Belgian noble and World War II RAF fighter pilot notable for his attack in 1943 on the Gestapo headquarters in Brussels in occupied Belgium.

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 best remembered for his airstrike on the Gestapo headquarters located at 453 Avenue Louise in Brussels on 20 January 1943, which led to his demotion (to Pilot Officer) for acting without orders, but he was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions.

He was killed the 16 August 1943 when his aircraft crashed on landing at RAF Manston after a sortie over Ostend.

He is buried in Minster-in-Thanet. A commemoration of his life is scheduled for 16th August 2013 in conjunction with the Royal British Legion.