Van Berkel W-A

During the First World War, the company, known for scales and cutting machines, also manufactured ammunition and rifles for the Dutch army. It was therefore a logical step to establish an aircraft construction department in 1918.

Support was received from the Dutch government. The factory was located at Keileweg 9 in Rotterdam. The head of the aircraft department was RJ Castendijk and John Kerner was head of the engine department.

The first assignment consisted of building, under license, 35 Hansa-Brandenburg W.12 seaplanes for the MLD.

The first one flew in 1919 and was called the WA. The WAs were used in both the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies and flew until 1933.

It is believed that five more MLDs built themselves at De Kooy airfield in 1924, probably from parts of damaged Van Berkel examples.