John Rutherford Gordon
Wing Commander John Rutherford Gordon (18 June 1895 – 11 December 1978) was an Australian First World War flying ace credited with fifteen aerial victories while serving as an observer/gunner in the Australian Flying Corps. Early life and background Gordon was born in Gilberton, a suburb of Adelaide, South Australia, the son of the politician David John Gordon. He was brought up in Unley, and educated at Adelaide High School and St Peter's College. While at school he spent six years as a member of the Cadet Corps, and then a year as member of Citizens Forces, serving in the 74th Infantry Regiment. On the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914 he was working a clerk. World War I On 20 August 1914 Gordon enlisted into the 10th Battalion at Morphettville, South Australia. On 28 August, on account of his previous military experience, he was promoted to the rank of acting sergeant, and this was confirmed on 1 September. On 20 October the 10th Battalion sailed from Adelaide aboard HMAT Ascanius (A11) eventually disembarking in Egypt. After further training the battalion sailed as part of the 3rd Brigade to the Greek island of Lemnos in early March