The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. A G Burdekin

Alan George Burdekin was born on 26th June 1917 and joined the RAFVR at Derby on 29th March 1939 as an Airman u/t WOp/AG. He was called up on 1st September 1939 and was posted to 266 Squadron at Sutton Bridge on 31st October. The squadron was then equipped with Fairey Battles.

Burdekin was posted to 9 Air Observers School at Penrhos on 28th November. After qualifying as an LAC Air Gunner he rejoined 266 on 9th January 1940.

He moved to 264 Squadron at Martlesham Heath on 1st February and spent eight weeks in an Experimental Flight in April and May. He was promoted to Sergeant on 6th June and then posted away from 264 on the 13th to 5 OTU Aston Down to convert to Blenheims.

On 7th July 1940 Burdekin joined 600 Squadron at Manston. He was posted to 10 Signals School at Blackpool on 21st September for a wireless course. He completed this at 2 Electrical and Wireless School at Yatesbury from 4th January to 31st March 1941, qualifying as a wireless operator.

He then rejoined 600 Squadron and remained with it until 16th July when he joined 125 Squadron at Colerne.

On 13th October 1941 Burdekin went to 278 (ASR) Squadron. He was commissioned in January 1943 and remained with the squadron until 18th March 1944. He then went to 577 (AA Co-op) Squadron.

Burdekin was released from the RAF on 29th December 1945 as a Flying Officer.

He emigrated with his family to New Zealand in October 1947. He was in the RNZAF Active Reserve from 1953 to 1958 and then served in the 1st Battalion, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Regiment as a Captain from April 1958 to October 1962.

Burdekin died in June 2008.