URL : https://www.valka.cz/Birksted-Kaj-t79304#562027
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Reklama
Wing Commander Kaj Birksted
* 02.03.1915, Copenhagen + 23.01.1996, Great Britain
He joined the Danish Navy in 1935. In 1937 he completed pilot training. December 22, 1937 reached the rank of lieutenant, January 1, 1940 he was promoted to lieutenant. After the entry of German troops into Denmark, he fled to Sweden on the night of April 16-17, 1940, from where he moved to Norway to join the fight against the Germans. At HMS WOLVERINE he was evacuated to Britain, where he enlisted in the RAF. However, his request was not processed and so the entrance examination to the SAAF did not succeed there either. It was not until August 15, 1940 that he was accepted into the ranks of the Norwegian Air Force with the rank of sergeant. December 1, 1940 he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. After training at the 56th OTU. He then served from June 30, 1941 to July 26, 1941 at the 43rd Squadron where he flew on Hurricanech Mk.II. He then transferred to the newly formed Norwegian 331st Squadron, first as a squadron commander, July 24, 1942 was promoted to the rank of Captain, and after the fighting over Dieppe in August 24. 1942 received the rank of major and took command 331. Squadron.
From 21.4. until June 30, 1943, during the break between operational shifts, he worked as an instructor and then took command of the 132nd Wing. Within the Norwegian 331st SQ he achieved 9 certain and 2 probable air victories. The operational turn ended as commander 132. Norwegian Wing. As a member of the high command, he participated in providing air cover for the landings in Normandy. He was awarded DFC, DSO and OBE. After the war, he returned to Denmark and became commander of the renewed Danish Air Force. In 1960, he took a high position in the NATO leadership.
Decorations received: Dannebrogsmandenes haderstegn, Denmark Kong Haakons dating in Medalje, Norway Officer in The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Britain St. Olavs Orden. Command & oslash; Norway Distinguished Flying Cross, Britain 2x Krigskors med Svard, Norway Distinguished Service Order, Britain Krigskors med 2 Svard, Norway King Christian X’s Medal for Participation in the War 1940-45, Denmark Order of Dannebrog, Knight, Denmark
URL : https://www.valka.cz/Birksted-Kaj-t79304#291255
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