Born in 1915 in Domoušice, Václav Bergman began his military service in France with E”D Chartres from May 16 to June 13, 1940. He subsequently moved to the United Kingdom in July 1940 to continue the fight against the Axis powers.
Service in Czechoslovak Squadrons
Upon his arrival in Britain, Bergman was immediately appointed to lead ‘A’ Flight of the 310th Czechoslovak Squadron. His leadership roles continued, as he commanded the 313th Czechoslovak Squadron from April to October 1942. He also undertook staff duties between September 1943 and January 1944. Towards the end of the war, from March to August 1945, Bergman completed an internship at the US Air Staff College.
Aircraft Flown and Combat Achievements
Throughout his distinguished career, Bergman mastered a variety of aircraft types. These included the French Morane Saulnier M.S.406C.1 and Marcel Bloch M.B.151C.1, as well as the iconic British Hawker Hurricane Mk.I, Mk.IIA, Mk.IIB, and Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IIA, Mk.VB.
His combat record is notable, with 369 combat sorties flown, totaling 522 hours in the air. He achieved two confirmed aerial victories personally, one probable, and damaged two enemy aircraft.
Decorations and Confirmed Victories
Václav Bergman received extensive decorations for his bravery and service. These include four Czechoslovak War Crosses of 1939, four Czechoslovak Medals for Bravery, and the Czechoslovak Medal for Merit 1st Class. He was also awarded the Commemorative Medal of the Czechoslovak Foreign Army with F and VB clasps.
French accolades included the Croix de Guerre with palm. British honors comprised the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) awarded on July 3, 1944, with a bar on April 24, 1953, the Air Force Cross (AFC), and several campaign medals: The 1939-1945 Star (with Battle of Britain Claps), Air Crew Europe Star (with France & Germany Claps), Defence Medal, War Medal, and the Atlantic Star.
His known victories include a Bf-110C-4 on September 9, 1940, and a Ju-88A-1 on September 18, 1940. He also damaged a Ju-88 on October 28, 1940, scored a probable Ju-88 on August 13, 1941, and damaged an Fw-190A on October 5, 1942. An earlier damage claim for a Bf-110 is recorded on June 10, 1940.