When Belgium was attacked, its fighter aircraft consisted of 15 Gladiators and some Hurricanes, Fairey Foxes, and Fiat C.R.32s. Most were destroyed on the ground in the initial bombing and strafing attacks. The handful that survived gave a good account against the invaders.

Four Belgian fighter pilots - Jean Offenberg, Victor Ortmans, Daniel Leroy du Vivier, and Jacques Phillipart - distinguished themselves early in the fighting. Offenberg, flying a C.R.32, was credited with shooting down a German bomber. When the fighting ceased, all four reached England and joined the RAF. Offenberg, who first flew with 229 Squadron, then later commanded the Belgian flight in 609 Squadron, was credited with seven victories before he was killed in a mid-air collision. Ortmans downed six aircraft, half of which were Bf.109s, before being shot down and captured. Du Vivier demonstrated great leader- ship qualities, attaining command of the RAF 334th Spitfire wing in Italy.

The Belgian pilots served with distinction in the RAF; and, at the end of World War II, three had received the Distinguished Service Order and 60 had received the Distinguished Flying Cross.