Having written two books about the Gordon cricketers who fought in World War I and World War II, there are of course many stories of bravery and heroism. Not suggesting in any way that Basil Sheidow was not brave or would have been a hero given the opportunity, his service in World War II was definitely ‘unusual’.

Being keen to serve his country, Basil looked at the study opportunities he might be able to secure to give him a reasonably safe role in the war in the UK. While having no known skills in this profession, he decided on studying to be a ‘nursing orderly’ and upon receiving a certificate, he enlisted. Unable to find an AIF division to take him the enlistment officer decided he should go into the Airforce and be posted to the UK.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/297/gordon-district-cricket-club/blog/3248/basil-sheidow-they-liked-his-administration-and-so-did-gordon