Just over 80 years ago, on the afternoon of 15 August, 1943, an air battle took place in the skies over the towns and villages around Le Folgoët in France where three Royal Air Force pilots and two Luftwaffe pilots lost their lives.
One of these pilots was the son of the founder of Biddulphs International, the largest independent mover in Southern Africa, now in its 95th year of trading as a fourth-generation family business operating since 1928.
Little was known about Frederick Brian Biddulph as his Hawker Typhoon crashed into the Channel. After nearly a year and half of planning, the Le Folgoët community, the French Veterans Association (UNC), members of the Royal British Legion, family members of the fallen Royal Air Force pilots, including Ryan Gibbons from Biddulphs International South Africa (Brian Biddulph’s great nephew), were all cordially invited to attend an unforgettable V-Day ceremony held on 8 May, 2023 in Le Folgoët, Brittany, France. Poignantly, during this service, nearly 80 years to the day after being shot down, 
as wreaths were laid in matching colours to their squadron and country, permission was awarded for Brian Biddulph’s name to be put on the war memorial as an honorary thank you for his service during the war.
Brian was also bestowed a further honour of the ‘Medaille Communal’, also known as a Freedom of the City Medal, by the Mayor for giving his life for the freedom of others.
Photos:
Top - F. B. Biddulph – memorial unveiling.
Bottom - RAF 266 Squadron with F B Biddulph third from the left.