Wing Commander Lloyd "Chad" Chadburn

Born: August 21, 1919
Died: June 13, 1944
Place of Birth: Montreal, Quebec

• When Lloyd Chadburn was an infant his family moved to Oshawa, Ontario, and he lived there and in Aurora.

• At one time, he was turned down both by the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Air Force.

• He was accepted as a gunner trainee and then switched to pilot training.

• Lloyd Chadburn took part in the first operation ever of the RCAF over enemy held territory.

• At only 21, he was given command of a fighter squadron; the youngest pilot to do so.

• Early on, Lloyd Chadburn developed a reputation as a capable and dedicated leader.

• His first award recognition was a Distinguished Flying Cross  in September, 1942.

• This award was given, in part, for work his squadron did in covering the Dieppe raid.

• He led numerous attacks and in September, 1943, received the Distinguished Service Order.

• In early 1944, he was appointed Wing Commander of Fighter Operations of the RCAF Overseas Headquarters.

• A few months later, Chadburn, only 24, met an unfortunate death when his plane collided with another Spitfire.

• Called "the Angel", Lloyd Chadburn was a highly respected officer amongst Canadian, American, British and French military.

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Last Updated: February 18, 2011
© Canada-Heros/Don Jones 2003-2011