The year 2004 was extremely busy for the team. Major findings were a Cheyenne tail turret of a B-17, the substantial remains of a FW 190 Dora, the excavation of a P-38 Lightning and a Bf 109. The pilot of this plane, Lt Paul Hönle, was found and was given an eternal resting place in 2005 by the Deutsche Volksbund at Lommel.

Those who have visited the BAHAAT-Collection in Erembodegem, will be aware that the current site has its limitations. 140m² is too small, there is not enough height, and it’s on private premises, away from the street. For a long time, we’ve been looking for a new location. The authorities of Aalst promised us one day the Collection will find a place in an industrial recoversion plan called “Schotte”, but this will take at least another five years.

With an ever growing collection and people willing to visit it, we had to find for a solution on our own. This was found recently, a few hundred meters from where it’s situated. The new address will by Leuvestraat 4B (nearby the river Dender as well), were BAHAAT has started the project “Broken Wings – Museum for aviation history”. At that location, we have at least twice as much space, but also a real entrance (it was once a hall were festivities were held), wash rooms. It is much higher as well. The BAHAAT members are working like hell in order to refurbish this location to get the collection a new home. We’re building walls, are painting, are renewing the electricity, are installing toilets etc. etc. There will be the opportunity to drink something as well.

It is our intention to have this location open every Sunday for everyone interested. The latest findings, mentioned above, are displayed, which used to be impossible due to lack of space). Some nice additions are a Norécrin (a French descendant of the Messerschmitt Bf 108 “Taifun) and a Rhönlerche glider. Also, all the material, donated to us by fellow BAHA members the past years (books, posters, airplane parts, models etc.) found a place to be displayed or consulted by a wide audience. We are planning to organise a small documentation centre there as well.

Practical information:

Address: Leuvestraat 4B - 9320 Erembodegem (Aalst) - Belgium

Entrance fee: 2,5 euro per person, free for children under 12 years. Guided tour for groups.

Opening hours: every first Sunday of the month from 2 p.m. till 6 p.m. Group visits on other days by appointment only. Ccontact Cynrik De Decker for more information. Closed from 22/09/2008 until 21/03/2009. Reopening 22/03/2009.