Bio / Text:
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Alex was born in Shanghai inside the International Settlement, mainly administered by British officials. He was Belgian by birth, and considered a Belgian subject or national. Alex was not a Chinese citizen. Alex joined the RAF as a Belgian national. After WWII he became a British citizen. Alex flew in 349 Squadron in 135 Wing, 84 Group, 2nd TAF, that flew across the English Channel. Alex flew Tiger Moths, Harvards and Spitfires Mark IX. Alex flew ground attacks, fighter sweeps, bomber escorts and dive bombing over France, Germany and Belgium. Alex had to crash land his Spitfire in Belgium just inside allied territory after it was damaged by a low level ground attack bomb blast at Antwerp. He survived the crash and was found by a Canadian tank crew at the front lines. He was taken to a hospital in Antwerp, recovered and returned to flying. Alex marched in the VE parade in London sometime after VE day on June 6, 1945. After the war, Alex was awarded the British, French and Belgian service medals.
