Actually No.609 Sqn had a very strong Belgian contingent up until war's end. Mony Van Lierde, Geerts, 'Le Duc', 'Cheval' Lallement, 'Vicki' Ortmanns and many, many others passed through its ranks. It wasn't ever exclusively Belgian but a tradition was formed after future Sqn Ldr Michael Robinson was rescued and brought back to England by Belgian comrades after the fall of France. 609 had an exceptional record and the Belgian contingent had an enormous role in this. For a great read, get 'Under the White Rose' by Frank Ziegler. I have an IL2 campaign by the same name available at Mission4Today.
Lastly, I helped form the virtual 609 sqn in 1998, at the time flying EAW. We were formed by a very young Belgian guy who wanted to honour his country. With the release of IL2, No.609 became simply '609'. I have lost touch with them and I fear they may have folded, but they persisted for several years so they may still be about. I still have a particular interest in No.609. They fought with great bravery and much humour. They should be remembered as well as the very particular 'international brotherhood' that was happily mirrored in our virtual ranks. Get the book and be proud of your countrymen!
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