Tom Ronaldson Waddell

In memoriam

Service Number: 3090 Unit: New Zealand Infantry, 18 Battalion Son of Dr. Thomas Mayne Reid Waddell and of Ethel Waddell (Nee Ronaldson), of Glossop, Derbyshire, England. Tom was working in The Commercial in Whakatane when the war broke out in 1939 and immediately enlisted for 2 New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He named his brother H.M.R. Waddell of Glossop as his next of kin. On October 4th 1939 an evening function was held in the King Street hall to farewell Tom Waddell who was joining the army. It was well attended and Mr Cucksey congratulated the guest on his patriotic move and presented him with a wrist watch, wishing him every success. The long list of men who had voluntared was published in Bay Of Plenty Beacon 29th April 1940 with T.R. Waddell included. Private Tom Waddell was attached to 18 Infantry Battalion and was part of the Main Body Draft of 2 NZEF in the first Echelon to Egypt. They sailed from Wellington on 5th January 1940, with 1500 troops aboard the 'Orion' (HMNZT Z4) via Freemantle and Colombo, arriving at Suez 13th February 1940. They were ferried ashore by lighters. Maadi Camp was barely prepared for occupation so there was much groundwork to be done. Preliminary training continued in Egypt for most of 1940. Source: "Valour Remembered" Vol 2, by Sonia Edwards Q.S.M.

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