The Airmen's Stories - S/Ldr. J A G Gordon

John Arthur Gerald Gordon was born on 3rd March 1912 in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. His parents were Swedish immigrants - Anders Peter Gordon (1877-1947) and Hilda Teresia Gordon (nee Hultberg 1883-1980).

He was educated in local schools before taking a Mechanics course at Calgary Technical College.

He then went to Alberta University and was awarded a BSc. in Electrical Engineering.

Gordon joined the RCAF in June 1934. He transferred to the RAF with a permanent commission in July 1936 and arrived in London aboard the RMS Alaunia from Montreal on 20th July 1936.

He joined 19 Squadron at Duxford on 25th October 1936.

Gordon took command of 151 Squadron at Martlesham Heath on 5th August 1940. He claimed a Me109 destroyed on the 14th. He was shot down in combat with Me110s over Rochford on 18th August and baled out, badly burned.

He was taken to Rochford Hospital. His Hurricane, P3940, crashed and burned out at Tabriums Farm, Battlesbridge.

On 1st June 1942 Gordon, now a Wing Commander, led 350 Squadron on Circus 178 as part of the Debden Wing. They were escorting Hurribombers to a target in Bruges, Belgium.

The wing was engaged by a superior force of Fw190s and Gordon was shot down in Spitfire Vb BL936.

He was not found and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 64.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.

He is commemorated by his parents grave in Red Deer Cemetery (below):