A rare Noorduyn C-64 Norseman aircraft, freshly painted in the colors of a U.S. Army Air Forces transport squadron from World War II, was presented to the public Friday evening during a commemorative event at Lelystad Airport. The presentation, organized by the Dutch Transport Museum, brought history to life as reenactors, vintage military vehicles, and a swing band recreated the sights and sounds of wartime Europe. The restored Norseman, owned by the Stichting Noorduyn Foundation, served as the centerpiece of the event, which aimed to depict the critical role such aircraft played during the liberation of Europe.
The Norseman was painted in historically accurate markings representing the 320th Transport Squadron of the 9th U.S. Air Force. Distinctive features include a checkered yellow-and-black nose, invasion stripes across the fuselage and wings, and nose art depicting a flying nurse with the phrase La Belle Dame Sans Merci—a nod to the 1819 poem by John Keats. The aircraft also bears the insignia of the 302nd Transport Wing and the 27th Air Transport Group.
Painting contractor Maas Aviation oversaw the restoration. “We are privileged and proud to have contributed to this important tribute, honoring the legacy of the Second World War,” said CEO Danny Hakker. “This project is especially meaningful given the current state of the world.” Originally developed in 1935 by Robert Noorduyn, a Dutch-born Canadian engineer and former Fokker employee, the Norseman was designed to operate in remote and rugged conditions. Its modular design allowed it to be fitted with wheels, skis, or floats, making it one of the most versatile bush planes of its era.
During World War II, Norsemans were used extensively for medical evacuation, cargo transport, and liaison duties. They were capable of quickly ferrying wounded soldiers from battlefronts—such as during the Siege of Bastogne—to hospitals in safer rear areas like Paris. While the type is often overshadowed by larger transport aircraft of the era, its contributions were critical in theaters around the globe. Friday’s presentation featured not only the aircraft but also period vehicles including a Dodge Carryall and a Willys Jeep, along with World War II memorabilia. Music from the Bill Baker Big Band added to the atmosphere, recreating the feel of a 1940s wartime airfield.
The Norseman displayed at Lelystad is not yet airworthy. Restoration work is ongoing, with four key phases remaining: installation of flight instruments, engine refurbishment, replacement of fuel and brake lines, and final assembly. The public event was held at Emoeweg 26 and drew aviation enthusiasts, veterans’ families, and historians. Organizers say the aircraft will eventually be returned to flight, serving as both a memorial and a flying classroom on the legacy of Allied air operations during WWII.
