Walter Gordon Wakelin was born on December 16, 1936 in Finmere, Oxfordshire.

Although he was christened Walter Gordon Wakelin after his Grandad Walter Parrott, just like his parents Jack (Alfred John) and Kate (Arabella Catherine) he was immediately known by his middle name Gordon.
Gordon was brought up in Finmere along with his brother Ron (Ronald) who was 3 years older, both going to Finmere 'Old' School and then Bicester for their secondary education.

Gordon remembered that his teacher at Finmere was Miss Moss, that she drove an open top sports MG, and that for some reason she gave him a special book although he hadn't won a prize. Initially he couldn't remember the title of the book, although he certainly remembered the MG clearly showing his early interest in motorbikes and cars. The book was Black Beauty. Although it could be a coincidence, whilst doing the family tree it turns out that Miss Moss may have been a relative.