Jean de Selys Longchamps’ daring 1943 Gestapo headquarters raid is vividly explored in this myth-dispelling biography.

In a breathtaking moment lasting less than ten seconds, skimming the rooftops of Brussels, Jean de Selys Longchamps would etch his name into the annals of history. On 20 January 1943, piloting his Hawker Typhoon, he daringly strafed the Gestapo's headquarters in Brussels, sparking an unprecedented wave of enthusiasm among the occupied Belgian populace. In that instant, a legend was forged.

While the story of this audacious raid has captivated audiences worldwide, it has also been mired in a myriad of exaggerated tales and obscured by myths. This biography aims to clear the mist, leveraging an array of sources from the de Selys Longchamps family's private archives, including the pilot's flying logbook, personal journals, correspondence, and photo albums. Augmented by previously unreleased archives, testimonials from fellow pilots and family members, and an exhaustive bibliography, this work meticulously illuminates one of the Second World War's most remarkable narratives.

With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to accuracy, the book delves deep into the life of a man who transcended the turmoil of his times. From his early days to the pivotal raid and beyond, it paints a vivid picture of a figure who, in the face of overwhelming adversity, showcased the indomitable spirit of resistance. Richly illustrated and thoroughly researched, this biography not only honours the memory of Jean de Selys Longchamps but also provides an invaluable insight into the era that shaped his character.

More than a historical account, this biography is a tribute to the endurance of the human spirit and to the bravery that compels individuals to resist oppression, offering unparalleled insights into the intricacies of wartime aviation.

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• Front Matter
• Foreword
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 Blood Will Tell (1622–1912)
• Chapter 2 My Father, My Hero (1880–1939)
• Chapter 3 The 400 Blows (1918–1939)
• Chapter 4 18 Days and Then It’s Gone (10–28 May 1940)
• Chapter 5 Into the Wild (29–31 May 1940)
• Chapter 6 Catch-22 (1 June–14 December 1940)
• Chapter 7 The Sky is the Limit (16 December 1940–7 March 1941)
• Chapter 8 ‘Maggie’ (8 March–13 May 1941)
• Chapter 9 Wings of Desire (14 May–28 September 1941)
• Chapter 10 ‘Tally Ho!’ (28 September 1941–26 April 1942)
• Chapter 11 ‘Tiffy’, the Plane of a Lifetime (27 April 1942–19 January 1943)
• Chapter 12 Befehlshaber der Sipo-SD, 453 Avenue Louise, Brussels, Belgium (1940–1943)
• Chapter 13 Don’t Stop Me Now (20 January 1943)
• Chapter 14 ‘The Special One’ (21 January–15 August 1943)
• Chapter 15 Bad Moon Rising (16 August 1943)
• Chapter 16 The Remains of the Day (From 1946 to Today)
• Chapter 17 The Incredibles (1939–1948)
• Acknowledgements
• Notes
• Selected Bibliography
• Reader