F/Lt. A. G. Burdekin joined the RAFVR at Derby on March 29 1939 as an Airman u/t Wop/AG (746828). He was called up on September 1 and posted to 266 Squadron at Sutton Bridge on October 31. The squadron was then equipped with Fairey Battles.

He was posted to 9 Air Observers' School, Penrhos on November 28 and after qualifying as an LAC Air Gunner, he rejoined 266 on January 9 1940. He moved to 264 Squadron at Martlesham Heath on February 1 and spent eight weeks in an Experimental Flight in April and May. He was promoted to Sergeant on June 6 and then posted from 264 on the 13th to 5 OTU, Aston Down, to convert to Blenheims.

On July 7 1940 Burdekin joined 600 Squadron at Manston. He was posted to 10 Signals School at Blackpool on September 21, for a wireless course. He completed this at 2 Electrical and Wireless School at Yatesbury from January 4 to March 31 1941, qualifying as a wireless operator. He then rejoined 600 Squadron and remained with it until July 16, when he joined the newly-reformed 125 Squadron at Coleme, with Defiants.

On October 13 1941 Burdekin was posted to 278 (ASR) Squadron. He was commissioned in January 1943 and remained with the squadron until March 18 1944. He then went to 577 Squadron on anti-aircraft co-operation duties.
Burdekin was released from the RAF on December 29 1945, as a Flying Officer. He emigrated with his family to New Zealand in October 1947.

A. G. Burdekin was in the RNZAF Active Reserve from 1953 to 1958 and then served in the 1st Battalion, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Regiment, as a captain, from April 1958 to October 1962.