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Canadian Virtual War Memorial

William Campbell Gordon

In memory of:

Flying Officer William Campbell Gordon

September 3, 1943
Kenninghall, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Military Service


Service Number:

J/16260

Age:

30

Force:

Air Force

Unit:

Royal Canadian Air Force

Division:

156 (R.A.F.) Sqdn

Citation(s):

Distinguished Flying Cross, London Gazette, dated 13 July 1943, "Throughout his operational sorties with this squadron this officer has proved himself to be a very determined and skilful navigator who has displayed commendable courage and resource in hazardous circumstances. In August 1942 he was one of a crew whose aircraft was forced down at sea following an attack by enemy fighters. After eleven hours in the dinghy they were eventually rescued, though Pilot Officer Gordon was injured. On another occasion while on a sortie to Essen this officer's aircraft was badly damaged by night fighters. The rear gunner was killed and another member of the crew wounded. Throughout all these perilous experiences, however, Pilot Officer Gordon has combined tenacity with endurance and displayed skill worthy of high praise." 1939-45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, War Medal 1939-45.

Honours and Awards:

Distinguished Flying Cross

Additional Information


Born:

April 27, 1913
Owen Sound, Ontario

Enlistment:

November 22, 1940
Toronto, Ontario

Son of Russel Grimby and Euphemia Stewart (nee Campbell) Gordon of Owen Sound, Ontario. Brother of Josephine and Margaret Gordon.

Commemorated on Page 164 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.

Burial Information


Cemetery:

CAMBRIDGE CITY CEMETERY
Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

Grave Reference:

Grave 13942.

Location:

CAMBRIDGE CITY CEMETERY is situated about 2 kilometres east of Cambridge on the road to Newmarket. It is regretted that it is not possible to keep a copy of the register in this cemetery. Assistance may be obtained from staff when they are present and a copy of the register is available for consultation at the Commission's Head Office, 2 Marlow Road, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 7DX.

Information courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Digital Collection

Send us your images

  • Memorial– Father J P Lardie's comments as inscribed on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton, AB … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens
  • Memorial– Flying Officer William Campbell Gordon is also commemorated on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton, AB … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens
  • Memorial– Flying Officer William Campbell Gordon is also commemorated on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton, AB … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens
  • Photo of William Campbell Gordon– Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
  • Memorial– Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational Institute Second World War Memorial. Image courtesy of Owen Sound Collegiate (OSCVI) Digital Soldier Library.
  • Memorial Plaque– This outdoor plaque is located at the “Old Vic” building, part of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. The decorative motif at the top shows the Victoria University crest, with motto in Latin: “ABEUNT STUDIA IN MORES”. The plaque is inscribed: “THEY WERE VALIANT IN LIFE TRIUMPHANT IN DEATH. ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF THE STUDENTS OF THIS COLLEGE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR 1939-1945. THIS TABLET WAS ERECTED BY THE BOARD OF REGENTS AND DEDICATED OCTOBER 13TH, 1953”. There are 79 names inscribed in bas relief.  Photo:  Cody Gagnon, courtesy of Alumni Relations, University of Toronto.
  • Newspaper clipping– From the Toronto Telegram September 1943. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
  • Newspaper clipping– From the Toronto Telegram September 1943. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
  • Newspaper clipping– From the Owen Sound Sun Times September 1943. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
  • Newspaper clipping– From the Owen Sound Sun Times September 1943. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
  • Newspaper clipping– From the Owen Sound Sun Times April 1944. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
  • Photo of William Campbell Gordon– Photo courtesy of Owen Sound Collegiate (OSCVI) Digital Soldier Library.
  • Photo of William Campbell Gordon– Submitted  for the project, Operation: Picture Me
  • Newspaper Clipping– Memorialized on the pages of the Globe and Mail. Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me
  • Newspaper Clipping– Memorialized on the pages of the Globe and Mail. Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me
  • Dedication program– Memorial dedication service program for crew of flight JA915- 20th September 2009 -St Mary's Church, Kenninghall, Norfolk, UK. Frontispiece page.
  • Dedication program– Memorial dedication service program for crew of flight JA915- 20th September 2009 -St Mary's Church, Kenninghall, Norfolk, UK. Page 2 and 3
  • Dedication program– Memorial dedication service program for crew of flight JA915- 20th September 2009 -St Mary's Church, Kenninghall, Norfolk, UK. Page 4 and 5
  • Dedication program– Memorial dedication service program for crew of flight JA915- 20th September 2009 -St Mary's Church, Kenninghall, Norfolk, UK. Page 6 and 7
  • St Mary's Church– St Mary's Church Kenninghall, Norfolk, UK. Photo by Richard E Flagg.
  • Memorial– Memorial to crew of Lancaster Flt JA915 at St Mary's Church Kenninghall, Norfolk, UK. Dedicated 20th September 2009. Photo by Richard E Flagg.
  • Memorial– Memorial to crew of Lancaster Flt JA915 at St Mary's Church Kenninghall, Norfolk, UK. Dedicated 20th September 2009. Photo by Richard E Flagg.

Learn more about the Canadian Virtual War Memorial

To learn more please visit our help page. If you have questions or comments regarding the information contained in this registry, email or call us. For inquiries regarding the names and information found in the RCMP Honour Roll, please email the RCMP.

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