Flt Lt William Theodor Malling worked for the East Asiatic Company in Singapore, when the Japanese attacked in December 1941. Shortly before the surrender in February 1942, he evacuated to India, initially, where he volunteered for the Royal Air Force. He served in South Africa.
From early on the Danish volunteers in the RAF wanted to distinguish themselves as Danes in Allied service. One way of doing that was to wear a nationality shoulder title on the uniform.
During the Second World War, a large number of Danish pilots were in British or Norwegian air service. Though many were accepted in one of the Norwegian squadron, 234 (Madras Presidency) Squadron is by far the most 'Danish' of all squadrons of (or associated to) the Royal Air Force. In all nine Danish pilots and three Spitfires is in 234 service.