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Alexander, Robert Wilfred

Date of birth:
August 20th, 1920 (Norwich/Ontario, Canada)
Date of death:
September 21st, 1944 (Sonse Heath, The Netherlands)
Buried on:
Commonwealth War Cemetery Bergen op Zoom
Plot: 24. Row: C. Grave: 1-3.
Nationality:
Canadian (1931-present, Constitutional Monarchy)

Biography

Service number J.2833.

Robert Alexander was a teacher who taught school at New Durham. He enlisted with the R.C.A.F. in October 1939.
He received his observer's wing and commission at Trenton early in November 1940. He was then transferred to England and went on active operational duty over Europe. In March 1941, he was stationed in Egypt, and made more than 50 sorties from North African bases. At one point he served at R.A.F. Headquarters Staff in the Middle East until posted home for a special navigational course at Port Albert. Later he attended No. 5 S.F.T.S., Brantford and received his pilot's wings.
He was reported missing on September 21, 1944, after carrying out his air assignment of dropping supplies for paratroopers he had helped transport to Arnhem. He crashed at 17.30 hrs at Sonse heide

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flight Lieutenant
Unit:
No.148 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
April 7th, 1942
Citation:
"As an air observer this officer has carried out 51 operational sorties against the enemy in volving 456 flying hours. He has participated in many attacks against objectives in Libya, Syria, Greece, and in the whole Mediterranean area. He also took part in mine laying and supply dropping operations in Greece. Flight Lieutenant Alexander is a fine bomb aimer and an exceptionally good navigator. Over a long period he has been carrying out the duties of Squadron Navigation Officer with great success and his experience as an observer combined with his ability as an instructor have enabled him to attain a very high standard of navigation in the squadron. This officer has displayed consistent keenness, coolness and determination and has set a fine example to all."
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

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