On the 5th of May the last of the Dutch fighter pilot, who was active during the German invasion in May 1940 passed away at the respectable age of 103!
Jan Linzel got badly injured, while flying a Fokker D.XXI, during the defence of Ypenburg airfield on 10 May 1940. After recovery, he escaped to England where he joined the RAF. He flew Spitfires and Tempests with RAF 33 squadron, which was part of the 2nd TAF. After the war he joined the new Royal Netherlands Air Force, where became a flight leader of 322 squadron which flew Meteors. After his career as pilot he became commander of the shooting range at Vlieland, where he met his future German wife.
After his retirement in 1973 he moved to Ireland in 1976 where he lived a peaceful life.
Jan Linzel was a remarkable person.
Huub
Jan Linzel got badly injured, while flying a Fokker D.XXI, during the defence of Ypenburg airfield on 10 May 1940. After recovery, he escaped to England where he joined the RAF. He flew Spitfires and Tempests with RAF 33 squadron, which was part of the 2nd TAF. After the war he joined the new Royal Netherlands Air Force, where became a flight leader of 322 squadron which flew Meteors. After his career as pilot he became commander of the shooting range at Vlieland, where he met his future German wife.
After his retirement in 1973 he moved to Ireland in 1976 where he lived a peaceful life.
Jan Linzel was a remarkable person.
Huub
