War veteran Alex Campbell honoured at reception

October 8, 2013 · 0 Comments

Veteran Alex Campbell was honoured with a reception at King City Seniors’ Centre last week. He was joined by his family and visitors from France, who live near where his Lancaster bomber was shot down during the Second World War.

The King City Seniors Centre hosted a reception in honour of King City’s Alex Campbell, a distinguished Second World War pilot, whose Lancaster bomber was shot down over France on July 28, 1944.
Among the many friends and relatives on hand were the guests of honour, Michel and Isabelle Leroueil, two descendents of the family who took Alex into their home and shielded him from the Germans in the little town of Ozoir Le Breuil.
Mayor Steve Pellegrini presented the 90-year-old war hero with a beautiful King Township plaque, honouring his bravery, heroism and outstanding contribution as a member of our Canadian armed forces.
As captain, Campbell was the last to bail out of his flaming craft, parachuting safely into a local wheat field near the village. Remarkably, only one crew member didn’t survive the jump.
A contingent of Alex’s family took a trip back to the scene of the crash last year and enjoyed a memorable reunion with the Leroueil family and friends.
The Campbells and their children hosted Michel and Isabelle Leroueil during their eight-day stay in Canada, including a whirlwind tour around Ontario.
During the last day, Alex brought his box of wartime papers and documents and started off with the large Franc banknote he has with many signatures of the men at the Freteval Forest. Michel and Isabelle were incredulous as they had never seen an original one before – only copies of them.
Alex showed his log books and they pored over many details.
The group drove to the original Campbell farmhouse, which still has the white siding.

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