14 Facts About Willy Coppens

The younger Willy Coppens was conscripted into the army in 1912, serving with the Premiere Regiment Grenadiers.

In 1914, following the German invasion of Belgium, Willy Coppens transferred to the Motor Machine Gun Corps.

Willy Coppens received his pilot's certificate on 9 December 1915.

Willy Coppens received the last remaining Nieuport 16 in the squadron; everyone else had upgraded to Nieuport 17s.

Willy Coppens continued his nervy but unsuccessful combat career against enemy aircraft until 17 March 1918.

Willy Coppens parked his plane on top of the damaged balloon, shut down his engine in order to protect its propeller, and waited until the balloon descended to slide off the balloon and fly away.

Willy Coppens crash landed near Diksmuide and was taken to hospital, where his leg was amputated.

Willy Coppens was decorated by Belgium, France, Britain, Portugal, Italy, Poland, and Serbia.

Between the two World Wars Willy Coppens was Belgian air attache to four nations.

Willy Coppens retired to Switzerland in 1940, organising resistance work and marrying.

Willy Coppens was created Knight Coppens de Houthulst by King Albert in 1930.

Willy Coppens got the very exceptional honor to add 'de Houthulst' after his noble title, referring to a wood he often overflew during the First World War.

Willy Coppens's arms consist of 3 silver flying eagles on a blue background.

Willy Coppens deemed honors and awards to be very important, as he felt they ought to be a token of recognition.