Gordon M. Waddell was born 14 Feb. 1916 on the family farm south of Newdale, Manitoba.

Gordon enlisted 23 May 1942.  His basic training commenced in the Manning Pool, Brandon.  He took his Initial Training School (ITS) in Regina where the recruits were classified.  Because of his math skills he was classified to take navigational training at Air Observers School, Stevenson Field Winnipeg, Class # 64, graduating 17 March 1943 with the rank of Sergeant.

  He went overseas April 1943, shipping out of Halifax on the SS BAYONO which made the Atlantic crossing in a convoy of about 40 to 50 ships carrying either troops or war supplies.  Originally he was to have sailed on the SS AMERICA which was part of the same convoy.  The SS AMERICA was attacked and sunk during the crossing. 

 He was first stationed in Bournemouth, England in a holding pool.  After about two weeks he was assigned to the Cape Breton Highlanders Infantry Regiment for four weeks.  He was reassigned to the New Brunswick Hussars which was a tank regiment.  Both these army units were stationed in England and the idea was liaison work for aircrew to see how the ground forces would operate.  This was followed by a two week survival course in the Downs of Northern England and a commando training session in Devon.  Flying training resumed in Advanced Training School in Bristol, England, followed by Advanced Flying Unit in Staverton, England.  Finally he went to Conversion School in Topcliffe, England where he was trained on a MK3 Halifax. 

 After completion of their training, the crew was posted to 427 Squadron (Lion) Six Group Bomber Command at Leeming, Yorkshire 10 March, 1944.

 The crew completed 21 successful flight operations before being shot down over France on the night of 7 June 1944.