Paul Y. R. Waddington

Who was Paul Y. R. Waddington?

Sous Lieutenant Paul Yvan Robert Waddington was a French World War I flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories.

Waddington joined the 141e Regiment d'Infanterie on 15 December 1914 as a Soldat de 2e classe. He was promoted to Corporal on 21 June 1915; exactly a month later, he was forwarded to the 2e Groupe d'Aviation. On 27 September, he was assigned to Escadrille 67. He was promoted to Sergeant while with this unit, on 11 March 1916.

Waddington reported for pilot's training at Buc on 3 September 1916. He was awarded Military Pilot's Brevet No. 5254 on 26 January 1917, and forwarded for advanced training at Avord, and then Pau. He was then posted as a pilot with Escadrille N12 on 28 March 1917. He teamed with Alfred Auger and Joseph M. X. de Sévin for his first victory on 11 May 1917. A promotion to Adjutant followed on 20 July 1917, with a further promotion to Sous lieutenant on 25 January 1918. He transferred to Escadrille Spa154, on 6 March 1918.