Jan Olieslagers
- Category : 1883-births
- Type : PSE
- Profile : 5/1 - Heretical / Investigator
- Definition : Single
- Incarnation Cross : LAX Dedication 1
Biography
Belgian motorcycle and aviation pioneer.
He was the second of six children. A age eleven he lost his father Leonardus, who worked in the harbour of Antwerp. His mother Joanna Coppens, had to let her children work. Jan worked at a ship-yard and in In his free time and weekends at a bicycle repair shop. Later he worked at the Belgian bicycle factory Minerva. He soon started driving for fun.
Jan Olieslagers turned in his bicycle to become an early motorcycle speed record holder; he was the first to go 100 kilometers per hour, and was 1902 World Champion. I
During WW I he became a flying ace. He was credited with six confirmed victories, seventeen unconfirmed, and an unknown number unclaimed. He later was instrumental in developing Antwerp's airport.
On 5 January 1915, he crashlanded, injuring his left arm and leg, as well as his chest.
Jan Olieslagers died of cancer on 23 March 1942 in Antwerp.