Editing Jacques Brel (section)

==Early life==
Jacques Romain Georges Brel was born on 8 April 1929 in [[Schaerbeek]], [[Brussels]], to Élisabeth Lambertine "Lisette"  (''née'' Van Adorp) and Romain Brel.<ref name="clayson-22">Clayson p. 22.</ref> He came from a family of [[Flemish people|Flemish]] descent ([[Francization of Brussels|who had adopted the French language]]); part of his family originated in [[Zandvoorde (Zonnebeke)|Zandvoorde]], near [[Ypres]].<ref name="clayson-20">Clayson p. 20.</ref> His father worked for Cominex, an import–export firm, and later became co-director of a company that manufactured cardboard.<ref name="clayson-23">Clayson p. 23.</ref> Jacques and his elder brother Pierre grew up in an austere household, and attended a Catholic primary school, École Saint-Viateur, run by the [[Clerics of Saint Viator|order of Saint Viator]].<ref name="clayson-26">Clayson p. 26.</ref> Remembered as a courteous and manageable pupil, Brel did well in reading and writing, but struggled through arithmetic and Dutch.<ref name="clayson-26"/> The boys were also members of the local Boy Scout troop, and enjoyed their time at summer camp and on family outings to the North Sea coast.<ref name="clayson-27">Clayson p. 27.</ref> In Brussels, the family lived at 138, {{lang|fr|avenue du Diamant|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Diamantlaan|italic=no}} in [[Schaerbeek]],<ref name="clayson-22"/> then moved to 26, {{lang|fr|boulevard Belgica|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Belgicalaan|italic=no}} in [[Molenbeek-Saint-Jean]], and finally settled at 7, {{lang|fr|rue Jacques Manne|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Jacques Mannestraat|italic=no}} in [[Anderlecht]].<ref name="clayson-26"/> Brel was close to his mother, fascinated by her generosity and sense of humour, which he inherited.<ref name="jacquesbrel1"/>

In September 1941, his parents enrolled Brel at the [[Facultés universitaires Saint-Louis|Institut Saint-Louis]] on the {{lang|fr|Rue du Marais|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Broekstraat|italic=no}} near the [[Botanical Garden of Brussels]].<ref name="clayson-29">Clayson p. 29.</ref> Although he did poorly in many subjects, he did well in History and French, and showed a talent for writing.<ref name="clayson-29"/> He helped set up the school's drama club, taking on his first stage roles with great enthusiasm.<ref name="clayson-30">Clayson p. 30.</ref> He wrote short stories, poems, and essays.<ref name="jacquesbrel2"/> In 1944, at the age of 15, Brel began playing the guitar.<ref name="ruhlmann"/> The following year he formed his own theatre group with friends and began writing plays.<ref name="rfi"/> In the spring of 1947, during his final year at Saint-Louis, Brel wrote a short story titled "Frédéric" for a school magazine ''Le Grand Feu'' ("The Great Fire"). Published pseudonymously, the story is about a man on his deathbed who encourages his grandson to run away while the rest of the family makes arrangements for his funeral.<ref name="clayson-33-34">Clayson pp. 33–34.</ref> Despite his growing talent for writing, Brel was not a good student, and failed many of his exams.<ref name="rfi"/>

With an academic career not in his future, the 18-year-old Brel went to work at his father's cardboard factory in August 1947.<ref name="clayson-34">Clayson p. 34.</ref> His job at Vanneste and Brel was predictable and uninspiring—a routine that involved fixing prices and meeting customers.<ref name="clayson-34"/> Apart from joining the company football team, he showed little interest in the company's social activities and events.<ref name="clayson-34"/> Perhaps to offset the boredom of his daily office routine, he joined a local Catholic youth organisation, La Franche Cordée (FC), which had as its motto, "More is within you."<ref name="clayson-37">Clayson p. 37.</ref> Dedicated to philanthropic work, the group organised religious retreats, fundraising events, and food and clothing deliveries to orphanages and old people's homes.<ref name="clayson-37"/> Brel supported these activities with great enthusiasm and believed strongly in FC's mission.{{#tag:ref|Brel would reject formal religion in his later life.<ref name="tinker"/>|group=Note}} His parents were pleased with their son's dedication, and provided him with the company van and family car to support his FC activities.<ref name="clayson-37-38">Clayson pp. 37–38.</ref>

In June 1948, Brel enlisted for military service, did his basic training in [[Limbourg]], and served as a corporal in the Belgian air force stationed at Groenveld barracks in [[Zellik]] near Brussels.<ref name="jb-friendship"/>{{#tag:ref|Brel served with the 15th Division Transport and Communication sector (serial number A 48-2567).<ref name="clayson-40">Clayson p. 40.</ref>|group=Note}} Throughout his military service, Brel was still able to attend FC meetings.<ref name="clayson-40"/> While working at FC, Brel met his future wife, Thérèse Michielsen, known to her friends as "Miche". On 1 June 1950, Jacques and Miche were married in [[Laeken]], a suburb of the [[City of Brussels]]. On 6 December 1951, Miche gave birth to their first daughter, Chantal.<ref name="rfi"/><ref name="jacquesbrel1"/>

In 1952 Brel began writing songs and performing them at family gatherings and on Brussels' cabaret circuit. His family and friends were not supportive of his stark lyrics and violent, emotional performances. That year he performed on a local radio station for the first time.<ref name="rfi"/>