“Ten victories in aerial combat.” Do you hear the echo of bravery? This is the Edmond Thieffry Bust. It stands here as a tribute to a Belgian aviation hero. Let’s delve into the story of Edmond Thieffry.
Edmond Thieffry was born in Etterbeek on September 28, 1892. He became one of Belgium’s great flying aces. He was a pilot during World War I. Thieffry achieved ten officially recognized victories in combat.
Thieffry holds a special place in Belgian hearts. He daringly flew over occupied Brussels in January 1917. During this flight, he dropped four Belgian flags. One flag floated over the Saints Michel and Gudule Cathedral. Another landed by the Collège Saint-Michel. The last two flags fell over his parents’ and fiancée’s homes.
In February 1918, Thieffry’s plane went down. It was during a fight over enemy lines. He was injured and captured. Thieffry was detained in Germany. He attempted to escape six times.
After the war, Thieffry became a lawyer. He practiced at the Brussels Bar. But his love for aviation never faded.
In 1925, Thieffry achieved another remarkable feat. He was the first aviator to connect Belgium and the Congo by air. This journey lasted 51 days. The actual flight time was 75 hours. King Albert I supported this mission. The King guaranteed the value of the aircraft to SABENA. This was because SABENA feared the attempt would end in disaster.
Tragically, Thieffry’s life ended prematurely. In April 1929, he was flying in the Congo. He wanted to connect the most important cities by plane. An accident occurred near Lake Tanganyika. Thieffry, the pilot Julien, and the mechanic Gastuche died. Despite King Albert I’s wish, Thieffry was buried there. He left behind a wife and six children.
This bust before you is a testament to his legacy. A public subscription was launched. King Albert I initiated it. It was to erect a monument in Edmond Thieffry’s memory. The sculptor César Battaille created this bronze bust. It was inaugurated in Etterbeek in 1932.
Edmond Thieffry’s name lives on in Brussels. The Rue Aviateur Thieffry carries his name. In 1976, a Brussels metro station was dedicated to him. It is appropriately named Thieffry Station.
The Edmond Thieffry Bust reminds us of a brave pilot. He was a pioneer who connected Belgium to the world. Thieffry’s courage and determination continue to inspire. He embodies the spirit of aviation. Remember Edmond Thieffry as you explore Brussels.