Memorial 'Circus 157'

Circus 157 was the code-name of the Allied air-attack on Lille (Rijssel) in France, on 5 May 1942. Around 15:30, a fight between Allied Spitfire’s and German FW 190’s occurred above Heuvelland.

Five Allied airmen were killed during this fight. Karel Pavlik crashed on the slope of the Kemmelberg. Some moments later Sergeant Ribout fell to his death in Nieuwkerke because his parachute did not work. Because of engine-problems Stacey Jones crashed in Couthof in Provens. The Belgian flight commander was shot in his back. He could land his plane in "De Wulf" nears Dranouter but died some moments later.

At the Monteberg, near Lettingstraat 40 in Dranouter, there is a memorial erected for Pavlik. On the village square of Dranouter one for Hemptinne.

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Source

• Text: Rino Deltombe
• Photos: Tom Van Heuverswyn