Florennes Commemorates Liberation
with Immersive WWII Re-Enactment
Authors: Martin Gillet & Benoît Denet
This year, Les Compagnons du Souvenir des Alliés, in proud collaboration with the Florennes military base, hosted a powerful re-enactment bivouac on the northern grounds of the base (Rue de Corenne), commemorating the liberation and the end of the Second World War.
As lucky as we can be regarding the weather, the weather was optimal to visit the event.
The event transformed the site into a living museum, featuring an extraordinary line-up of re-enactors and authentic WWII material. Representing the American, British, Belgian, and Canadian forces, these passionate participants brought history vividly to life through detailed encampments, vintage vehicles, equipment displays, and moving portrayals of life during wartime.
Aviation enthusiasts were treated to breathtaking flybys by iconic aircraft, including the legendary Spitfire.
The nimble Fieseler Fi 156 aka ‘Storch’ [in fact a Maurane Saulnier as we know that during the occupation of France, the Morane-Saulnier company built the Storch under license from 1942 in three versions, which differed mainly in their engines: MS.500, nicknamed “Criquet”, with an Argus As 10 C-3 engine, produced in France under the name Argus 410 C.].
Not to forget the reliable Piper Cub— each soaring overhead in tribute to the brave men and women who served.
You may remember that in May 2023, the Legend returned to her homeland at Florennes Airbase. This Spitfire has special tie and symbolic connection with the airbase.
Fly over, view from the flightdeck via Florennes Airbase Facebook page can be viewed here.
“This aircraft with registration number SG-25 was assigned to the First Squadron in 1947. It was therefore with great emotion for the personnel of the First Squadron to see this legend return to its base for a few hours almost 70 years later.
This Spitfire, coded at the time RM927, is a veteran of the Second World War and was sold to Belgium, which was reconstituting its air force.
It was not until 1995, after having passed through various owners, that it was decided to restore it at High Wycombe in Great Britain. The ex-RM927 then passed through the Isle of Wight into the hands of Airframe Assemblies and was registered G-JNMA in 2009. It was sold again before landing at Richard Grace in Sywell (Air Leasing Ltd) for a final restoration. It was delivered to its current French owner at La Ferté-Alais in 2022.”
Visitors also had the chance to explore the Spitfire Museum on the airbase, adding even more depth to this immersive historical experience.
According to the base, more than 5,000 guests attended the event over two days—proof that memory duty has not been forgotten.
The turnout, the passion, and the emotion all echoed a single message: Lest we forget.