Founder of "Comet Line" dies in Belgium

Andree de Jongh, who founded the Comet Line in 1941 at age 24 passed away yesterday. She was 90. During the war years, operatives of the Comet Line risked their lives escorting almost a thousand downed Allied aviators out of occupied Belgium and France and back to England so they could carry on the fight. It was the largest and most successful covert resue operation in Europe. Ms de Jongh was arrested by the Germans in 1943 and subjected to torture and imprisonment. She survived the war, was made a Countess of Belgium and was awarded the US Medal of Freedom. Andree de Jongh was an inspiration to me in writing NIGHT OF FLAMES and the Comet Line is an integral part of the story.