​​Lloyd Vernon Chadburn was born to Thomas and Florence Chadburn, and had a deep passion for flight from a young age. Raised in Canada, he was fascinated by aviation and built model airplanes, often sharing his dream of becoming a pilot. After attending Northern Vocational School in Toronto, Chadburn tried to enlist in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) before World War II, but was initially rejected. Undeterred, he was finally accepted as an aircrew trainee in early 1940.

​Although he struggled with flying during his early training, Chadburn’s perseverance paid off. By November 1940, he was commissioned as a pilot officer and became one of only 20 out of 200 trained pilots to be sent abroad for active service. By 1942, Chadburn had risen to the rank of squadron leader, taking command of the newly formed 416 Squadron RCAF. He led his squadron with distinction during the Dieppe Raid on 19 August 1942, where they achieved a successful engagement with enemy aircraft, earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

​By 1944, Chadburn had completed multiple tours of duty and was the youngest wing commander in the RCAF, commanding the Digby Wing. During the D-Day operations in June, he led his pilots with great skill, but tragically, on 13 June 1944, he died in a collision with fellow pilot Frank Clarke while patrolling over Falaise. The two planes collided due to poor visibility, ending the life of the accomplished 24-year-old pilot.

​Chadburn's bravery earned him several prestigious awards, including the Légion d’Honneur and Croix de Guerre. He is remembered for his leadership, calm demeanor, and the respect he commanded from his peers. Today, 416 Squadron and a local air cadet unit in Oshawa are named in his honour. Chadburn’s grave is located at the Ranville War Cemetery in Normandy.​