Deciphering headstone inscription on photo on another site

[Kezlyn]

Hi,

Just checking whether it's possible to request someone take a look at a photo of a headstone on a particular "grave location" site (i.e. not my photo). Not sure whether I can post either a link or a copy of the photo here.

The grave is in Antwerp and the inscription is most likely in French or possibly Flemish. The photo is quite blurry and zooming in does not help. The person died in 1942 and was well known in Belgium and western Europe.

Thanks,

Kez

[Rosinish]

Hi Kez,

You can post the pic of the MI here (no copyright restrictions)

Annie

[Kezlyn]

Great, thanks!

[Kezlyn]

copyright Image removed

Ok, this is the grave of Lieutenant Jan OLIESLAGERS, a Belgian motorcycle speed record holder, early aviator, and WW1 ace. He was born on May 14 1883 and died on March 23 1942, both in Antwerp.

I've just come into possession of a letter written by a member of my gggg grandfather Jacob OLISLAEGER's second family in New Zealand that mentions that his nephew was an "early Belgian aviator". A quick Google throws up Jan OLIESLAGERS as a possibility. I cannot read the headstone at all but I would hazard there's a bit of military stuff on it. What I am looking for is biographical details such as names of family members, so I can work my way backwards and see if there is a link to my family. I've Googled quite a bit but I cannot come up with anything about his family other than the names of two brothers and a daughter but I'd like wife and/or parents to continue my search.

Thanks,

Kez

[Girl Guide]

Hmm, I went on Family Search and came up with Jan's burial link on find a grave. Was this where you found the photo of the grave?

If it was then you will have seen the other photos plus what I assume is his older brother Jules.

A couple of other names that came up on Family Search were Joannes and Emilius, father and son.

Have you considered moving this topic to the Europe board?  You may get more help there.

[Kezlyn]

Yes, that is where I go the photo from.

I've been unable to find anything out by researching what's already on the net (brothers' names, etc) so that's why I've asked on this board if anyone can decipher what's on the headstone for me. I think it will need to be digitally manipulated to be legible which is a skill beyond both me and my PC.

I'll certainly utilise the Europe board once I've extracted as much information as possible from the sources I currently have.

Kez

[despair]

Below a rather forlorn attempt at an enhacement (have you got a magnifying glass?)
However, I note there is a 1920 marriage in St Martin London of a Jan Olieslagers to an Antoinette M Levy.If this is your man,the certificate should also give you his father.


Regards
Roger

copyright Image removed

[despair]

This is very definitely guesswork based on a probable format

Olieslagers
     Jan
Unsure of next two lines but last word looks a little like "vliegenier"- an aviator

Geboren in Antwerpen (Born in Antwerp)
4 Mei 1883 (4th May 1883)

Overleden in  ?? (Antwerpen again?) (Passed away in  ?)

23 Maart 1942 (23rd March 1942)

RIP


Regards
Roger

[bugbear]

This help?

   BugBear

copyright Image removed

Link to page with the helpful image

It's the centre one - and you have to click it to get the high-res (which is why I originally direct linked)

 BugBear