Thanks Gents!
Patrick, thank you for reminding me that it's time to provide a little background on this interesting man, Jan Olieslagers, an aviation pioneer and prolific Belgian pilot who achieved ace status in the service of his country. His personal history is fascinating, and was covered in detail in an article in "Over the Front," Vol. 28, No. 1, Spring 2013, and can also be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Olieslagers. His dedication to serving his country is even more impressive.
Here is a summary: As a 14-year old, he worked in a French bike shop and later for a bicycle manufacturer. He became a professional cycle racer, and then progressed to motorcycles, where his racing earned him the nickname "The Devil of Antwerp." He set several early motorcycle speed records, including being the first to ride a speed greater than 100 km/hour. In 1909 he became interested in early aviation and acquired a Bleriot monoplane. Essentially a self-taught pilot, Olieslagers participated in international flying races and did very well, setting records and matching well against Roland Garros in competitions.
Upon the invasion of Belgium by Germany on August 1, 1914, Jan Olieslager sent a telegram to the Belgian Secretary of War, as follows: "I am at the disposal of my king and country, with my aeroplanes, car and staff." He was 31 years old at that time. His two brothers, Jules and Max, also volunteered. Jules was an aircraft mechanic and Max was a pilot. Olieslagers flew his Bleriot on reconnaisance missions in 1914. The Bleriots were withdrawn for training purposes and replaced with Farman pushers in early 1915. Olieslagers went on to fly Nieuport 10s and 11s, Hanriot HD.1s and a Sopwith Camel. He ultimately achieved 6 confirmed victories, 17 unconfirmed victories and possibly many unclaimed victories. He reportedly was satisfied with depriving the Germans of aircraft, and unconcerned about his personal victory tally, disdaining the paperwork and followup necessary to achieve confirmed "kills." He was certainly a prolific flyer in the number of sorties and aerial combats, which numbered over 500 and nearly 100, respectively.
After the war Olieslagers returned to Antwerp and was instrumental in opening a new airport there. He died of cancer in 1942, at the age of 58. Reportedly, in open definance of Nazi-occupier regulations, his casket was draped with the Belgian flag and the Belgian national anthem was played at his funeral, as the country honored one of its true heroes.
I was very pleased to be able to locate a set of the Spada decals for Olieslagers' Sopwith Camel, which is beautifully decorated, IMHO. Although the Belgian cockades did not work out from the decal sheet, the white thislte squadron emblem for the fuselage should be fine, so I will be able to duplicate Lieutenant Olieslagers' Camel in 1/32.
Thanks for looking in on this build. Now you know a bit more about the fascinating man and aviation pioneer who inspired it!
Regards,
Bob
