To OO-SHY in 1953, to SE-HAK of Ostermans Aero in 1954. Antwerp's small airport looks much the same 70 years later. Photo from: Paul Lammens collection

When OO-UBA opened Sabena's helicopter airmail service on 21 August 1950, the airline's second Bell 47 went ahead, carrying a journalist.

At the Merwedecentrale power station. Dated 1953, this photograph probably shows a rescue mission after the 1 February 1953 North Sea flood. Photo from: Regionaal Archief Dordrecht

Following the 1 February 1953 North Sea flood, helicopter crews who participated in the rescue effort were invited at Queen Juliana's palace. Sabena's OO-UBB and the sole Dutch helicopter at the time, the navy's 8-1 (H-1) are seen. Nine American Bells also landed on the lawns and five British helicopters on a nearby football pitch. One 'very large American helicopter' landed at Soesterberg airbase. It is safe to assume the event was Prince Bernhard's idea. Photo by: Daan Noske / Nationaal Archief (Netherlands)