He was captain of the English team at the International Team Tournament in Benos Aires in 1939, and in fact the tournament was only half completed when news reached Benos Aires that World War II had begun. Alexander did not remain to complete the tournament but immediately caught a boat back to England to offer to serve his country.
Siya ay kapitan ng koponan sa English at ang International Team torneo sa Benos Aires in 1939, at sa katunayan ang torneo ay kalahati lamang kapag nakumpleto ng balita naabot Benos Aires na ang World War II had sinimulan. Alexander ay hindi mananatili upang makumpleto ang paligsahan ngunit agad-agad na nahuli ng isang bangka sa Inglatera sa mga nag-aalok sa pagsilbi sa kanyang bansa.