Wakeling, Nelson

F/L Dufferin Nelson Wakeling, A.M., eldest son of Capt. Robert F. Wakeling and Mrs. Wakeling, 82 Clarence St., lost his life on active service in the Aleutians on June 13, 1943, while he was attached to the Pacific Command of the R.C.A.F. He was buried at Anchorage, Alaska. F/L Wakeling was one of Brantford's outstanding airmen and his service career was most successful. Enlisting in September, 1940, he trained at Brandon,

Portage La Prairie and Regina, receiving his wings at No. 6 S.F.T.S., at Dunnville in April, 1941. Commissioned as a pilot officer shortly after, Duff, as he was called, served in the Atlantic Command and at Rockcliffe, near Ottawa, before going west to join the Pacific Command. His entire flight was loaned to the American Government. In February, 1942, he was promoted to flying officer and in August, to flight lieutenant. On April 27, 1943, F/L Wakeling was mentioned in an R.C.A.F. communiqu?, in which was described his participation in a daring raid on Japanese held Kiska, stressing particularly the coolness with which he pressed home the attack at a very low level. He received the Air Medal from the American Government for "gallantry and leadership in the face of the enemy". Born in Brantford, June 1, 1920, Duff was educated at Central School and the Collegiate Institute. He was a brilliant student, graduating with his senior matriculation at 17. Upon his graduation, he was employed in the main office of the Cockshutt Plow Company, Ltd., where he remained until his enlistment. He was a member of Zion United Church. It is of interest to note that he was named for the Dufferin Rifles, because, in the year of his birth, that unit was re-organized and his father, a First Great War veteran of the 4th Battalion, was R.S.M. of "The Duffs". Also surviving F/L Wakeling is his widow.

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