Early life and military service

Roland de La Poype was born in 1920 and joined the military at the age of 19. His service took him to French Equatorial Africa before he was assigned to a Royal Air Force squadron.

Royal Air Force and first victory

De La Poype joined the 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron of Supermarine Spitfire aircraft as a sergeant. He flew alongside Paddy Finucane, a decorated Irish pilot, and achieved his first aerial victory by downing a Messerschmitt Bf 109.

Service with French volunteers in the Soviet Union

Learning of French volunteers joining the Soviet front, de La Poype enlisted with the "Normandie" fighter group. He became part of the first group of pilots to arrive in Ivanovo, Russia, in early 1945, where he served as a captain commanding the 1st squadron.

Post-war career and honors

After leaving the military in 1947 at the age of 27, de La Poype held positions as an air attaché in Belgium and Yugoslavia. He was awarded numerous honors, including the title of Hero of the Soviet Union and Companion of Liberation.

Decorations and military achievements

Among his many decorations were the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, Croix de Guerre 39/45, and several Soviet orders. He flew a total of 1,200 hours and was permitted by Stalin to return to France with his Yak fighter plane.