Patterson, Gordon Nelson

Date of birth:: March 26th, 1919 (Woodrow/Saskatchewan, Canada)
Date of death:: October 30th, 1994 (Saskatoon/Saskatchewan Canada)
Service number:: 612426
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

Gordon Nelson Patterson was Canadian, serving in the RAF, and after his release from a POW camp he was transferred to the RCAF. He is the father of 5 children. James, Diane, Paul, David, Christina. His wife was Margaret Patricia Stiles of London England. After the war, he returned to Canada, where upon he completed his degree in Electrical Engineering, and was re-enrolled in the RCAF, with an eventful career lasting until 1966 when he retired at the rank of Squadron Leader. He then moved to Saskatoon Saskatchewan, whereupon he worked as Departmental Assistant to the Dean of Physics, as well as became an authour and active member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (and became a life member) and contributor to the science of astronomy. He remained active until he was taken ill with complications due to his war injuries which resulted in his death.

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Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Aircraftman, 1st Class
Unit:: No. 12 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: May 31st, 1940

"This airman volunteered for duty as wireless operator-air gunner in the aircraft piloted by Pilot Officer Davy in a low level bombing attack on bridges over the Albert Canal in May, 1940. Intense opposition from the ground was met and two attacks by enemy fighters were countered by this airman but, as the port petrol tank appeared to be on fire, the pilot ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft and Aircraftman Patterson sustained injuries."