Exploring The Pegasus Museum And Belgium’s Airborne Heritage

he Pegasus Museum in Diest documents the Belgian Airborne & Special Forces from the Belgian SAS in WW2 until the present day

The Pegasus Museum, situated within Diest’s historic Citadel, explores the history and operations of Belgium’s airborne forces. Housed in the former barracks of the 1st Parachute Battalion the museum meticulously chronicles their evolution from 1942 to the present day.

Historical Overview

The Pegasus Museum was founded in 1976 by Lieutenant Colonel Bidlot, then commander of the 1st Belgian Parachute Battalion, to preserve the unit’s history and traditions. The initial effort, led by 1st Sergeant Major Demuynck, Corporal Bonne, and a conscript from the battalion’s cultural service, resulted in a modest museum located in a corner of the barracks courtyard. Despite limited support, the museum quickly became a gathering point for veterans and a symbol of regimental pride. Its popularity led to an expansion in 1987, with three rooms showcasing the battalion’s more recent operations.

However, in 1991, changes in Belgian firearms legislation forced the army to prohibit battalion-level museums from housing weapons, threatening the museum’s existence. In response, veterans rallied under the leadership of retired RSM Dumont. To save the collection, they formed a non-profit association, overcoming significant administrative and legal hurdles to secure licenses, concessions, and funding.

On November 9, 1995, the museum was officially re-established under this new association. Its mission is to honour the traditions of the Belgian Special Air Service and parachute units, and to safeguard the military heritage of the Diest garrison. This is achieved by dividing the museum into eight thematic rooms displaying uniforms, weapons, equipment and other material associated with different periods in the airborne forces’ history.

The Exhibits

Room 1: 1942–1952

Explores the early years from the formation of Belgian Independent Company in Great Britain in 1942 and the operations of the 5th Belgian SAS Regiment during World War II. The displays also cover the early post war years in Tervuren, Westmalle, Poulseur and the parachutist training center in Leopoldsburg.

Detail from a British battledress uniform featuring the Belgian national flag, British parachutist wing and printed Airborne Division 'Pegasus' patch. — Detail from a British battledress uniform featuring the Belgian national flag, British parachutist wing and printed Airborne Division ‘Pegasus’ patch.

Vehicle mounted twin Vickers G.O. Machine Guns from the reconnaissance jeep in which Lieutenant Paul Renkin, Claude de Villermont and Emile Lorphevre were killed on 31/12/1944 at Bure.

Room 2: 1952–1962

Details the creation of the Regiment Para Commando in 1951, the unit’s relocation to Diest, the establishment of the 3rd Para Battalion in 1955, early operations in the Belgian Congo and Rwanda-Burundi, plus the formation of the Gespecialiseerde Verkennings Ploegen / GPV (Specialised Reconnaissance Teams).

*Belgian Para “Minerva” Recce Jeeps in the Congo.*

Korean War Display.

The 3rd Parachute Battalion was formed in 1955. It succeeded the Belgian United Nations Command (BUNC), a volunteer unit that served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1955. The battalion carries on the regimental traditions of these Korean War volunteers.

BUNC, also known as the Belgian Volunteer Corps for Korea or the "Brown Berets," was the Belgian-Luxembourgish military force deployed to South Korea during the Korean War. The battalion served in Korea from 1951 until August 1955, remaining there even after the signing of the armistice.

Of the 3,172 Belgian soldiers who fought in Korea, 101 were killed, 500 were wounded, and two went missing. — Korean War Display. The 3rd Parachute Battalion was formed in 1955. It succeeded the Belgian United Nations Command (BUNC), a volunteer unit that served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1955. The battalion carries on the regimental traditions of these Korean War volunteers. BUNC, also known as the Belgian Volunteer Corps for Korea or the “Brown Berets,” was the Belgian-Luxembourgish military force deployed to South Korea during the Korean War. The battalion served in Korea from 1951 until August 1955, remaining there even after the signing of the armistice. Of the 3,172 Belgian soldiers who fought in Korea, 101 were killed, 500 were wounded, and two went missing.

Brown beret worn by a member of the Belgian United Nations Command (BUNC) in Korea. The beret badge would continue to be used by the 3rd Parachute Battalion.

Pennant of the 1st Company (later 13th Company).

A captain of 1 Para Bn receives a bouquet from a well-wisher during their parade after returning from the Congo in 1960.

Paratrooper - Luluaborg, Congo 1960.

On July 10, 1960, Belgian troops intervened in Luluabourg, a town in the Belgian Congo, following a mutiny in the Congolese army (Force Publique). This intervention was part of a broader crisis following the Congo's independence from Belgium on June 30, 1960.. — Paratrooper – Luluaborg, Congo 1960. On July 10, 1960, Belgian troops intervened in Luluabourg, a town in the Belgian Congo, following a mutiny in the Congolese army (Force Publique). This intervention was part of a broader crisis following the Congo’s independence from Belgium on June 30, 1960..

Weekend kit bag used in the 1950's and 60s'. It was sold to the troops and its use was mandatory to ensure uniformity. — Weekend kit bag used in the 1950’s and 60s’. It was sold to the troops and its use was mandatory to ensure uniformity.

Berets of 5 SAS (top), 1 Parachute Battalion (middle) and Para-commandos (bottom)

Room 3: Africa 1960–1997

Highlights key missions in Africa, including operations in the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Zaire, and Somalia, showcasing the unit’s involvement in peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.

*Belgian Paras with a commandeered vehicle, Operation Red Bean, Kolwezi, Zaire 1978.*

Belgian paratrooper at Aden Adde International Airport, Somalia. Operation Restore Hope 1992-93

Rwanda - Operations UNAMIR I (18 Nov 1993 - 04 Apr 1994), SILVER BACK - BLUE SAFARI (April 1994). — Rwanda – Operations UNAMIR I (18 Nov 1993 – 04 Apr 1994), SILVER BACK – BLUE SAFARI (April 1994).

*Rwanda. Belgian paratroopers evacuate under-fire Belgian residents from Kilgali’s psychiatric hospital, 13 April 1994. Credit- Belga Archives*

Room 4: Other Operations 1997–2005

Focuses on international engagements in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Afghanistan, reflecting the unit’s global peacekeeping role.

1st Parachute Battalion soldier serving in the NATO Response Force (NRF)

Insignia and guidon/pendant detail worn used by the paras whilst serving with ISAF in Afghanistan.

Paratrooper with American made 60mm mortar.

Rooms 5 & 6: Clandestine Operations 1952–1990

These two rooms showcase operations undertaken by the Special Reconnaissance Teams (ESR/GVP), Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols (LRRP), and the Special Forces Group (SFG).

High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) parachutist.

Rooms 7, 8 and other Exhibits

Room 7 examines the historical significance of Diest and its citadel, providing context to the military heritage of the region, whilst room 8 deals with the building’s use as a military prison.

The Citadel was used during WW1 as an interment camp and after WW2 as a prison for German POW's and Belgian collaborators. — The Citadel was used during WW1 as an interment camp and after WW2 as a prison for German POW’s and Belgian collaborators.

Missile d'Infanterie Léger Antichar (MILAN) guided anti-armour weapons system. — Missile d’Infanterie Léger Antichar (MILAN) guided anti-armour weapons system.

There is also a workshop area which is used to house some of the larger objects, including a WW2 SAS Willys Jeep, a restored post war ‘Minerva’ Recce Jeep and a 1990’s period Bombardier ILTIS 4×4 recce vehicle.

*WW2 Period Willys Jeep as used by the SAS in Europe. It is equipped with three Vicker’s K Machine Guns, a Bren Gun and has WS38 Radio for communications.*

Bombardier Iltis Recconnaissance Vehicle.

*Belgian paras in their Bombardier Iltis Recce vehicle circa 2010.*

Fabrique Nationale AS 24 combat trike. Also known as the 'Véhicule Aeroporte' or 'Tricar Parachutable', this is one of 46 produced during the 1960's for service by parachute troops. Including the driver it could carry four passengers and carry a maximum cargo of 350kg and reach a top speed of 97km per hour. — Fabrique Nationale AS 24 combat trike. Also known as the ‘Véhicule Aeroporte’ or ‘Tricar Parachutable’, this is one of 46 produced during the 1960’s for service by parachute troops. Including the driver it could carry four passengers and carry a maximum cargo of 350kg and reach a top speed of 97km per hour.

AS 24 Combat Tricycle folded and rigged for parachute drop.

Gunned up Fabrique Nationale AS 24 Combat Tricycle.

Belgian commandos from the 2nd Commando Battalion on their AS 24 Combat Tricycle. Operation Dragon Rouge, 1964.

Belgian paras in an aircraft with their folded AS 24 combat tricycle. Operation Dragon Rouge 1964.

1st Parachute Battalion soldiers preparing an AS 24 during Operation Red Bean (Kolwezi, Zaire) in 1978.

1 Parachute Battalion ‘rogues gallery’ featuring the commanding officers, RSMs and Korpskorporals (Corps Corporal). Whilst the role CO and RSM positions would be known to many, the Corps Corporal is a unique position within the Belgian system. It is an appointment, not a rank and the holder of the position is elected. Along with the CO and RSM, the Corps Corporal is an important part of the command triad. He is the soldier who is trusted by the other ranks, representing their interests, keeping command informed of what is going on amongst the troops and junior NCO’s.

Overall, the Pegasus Museum exhibits an outstanding collection of artifacts, presenting an excellent understanding of the history of the 1st Parachute Battalion and the Belgian Airborne / Special Operations units. Opening times are limited and the museum is temporarily closed for renovations (see below). So, I suggest that you contact the museum well in advance of a visit to confirm its current status.

For my visit, I was extremely privileged to be given a private guided tour by a former Commanding Officer of 1 Para, Lt Kol SBH ‘Johan’ Peeters, who took time out from a veteran’s reunion to talk to me about the unit, its history and the exhibits on display. His frank, no bullshit commentary and insightful observations was a very welcome relief from the often sanitised museum tours, for which I am most grateful. If you are a collector or interested in Airborne and Special Operations history, the Pegasus Museum is a ‘must visit’.

Visitor Information

The Pegasus Museum
Citadel
3290 Diest
Belgium

Contact
Phone: +32 13 66 56 19
Email: info@pegasus-museum.be

https://pegasus-museum.be

https://www.facebook.com/pegasusmuseum

Opening times
The museum is open every first Sunday of the month from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. However, note that from 04 May 2025 the museum will be temporarily closed for refurbishment. For additional information and events consult their website.