An incredible grouping once belonging to a Belgian and Royal Air Force veteran sells well and an emotive POW chess set proves popular
OUTSTANDING GROUPING COMMANDS AT TENTION
The 20 medals awarded to an airman-turnedintelligence officer proved an auction highlight
Charles Delloye was born in Belgium in July 1894. An early member of the Compagnie des Aviateurs and a World War One veteran, he later joined the RAF and supported British intelligence and evasion efforts.
In 1914, Delloye was one of Antwerp’s defenders. Many Belgian troops became prisoners when it fell, but the remnants held at the Yser river in October. Together with Delloye, they received the distinctive Yser medal.
The Compagnie des Aviateurs was renamed Aviation Militaire in March 1915 and Delloye was posted for pilot training in January 1917. He was promoted to corporal that April and posted for service with 2e Escadrille in July, remaining with the squadron for the rest of the war. He flew 102 sorties, primarily for spotting and reconnaissance.
