Called up at the outbreak of war, Wadham completed his training and went to 7 OTU, Hawarden, where he converted to Hurricanes. He then joined No 145 Squadron on 30 July 1940. Sergeant Wadham was attached to No 601 Squadron for a brief spell during which time he made several training flights. He rejoined 145 at Westhampnett.
Wadham was shot down and killed by Bf 109s over Hastings at about 10.40 in the morning of October 12. His Hurricane, V 7426, crashed at Courseham Farm, Chittenden, near Cranbrook, Kent.
Wadham was 21. He is buried in Carisbrooke Cemetery, Isle of Wight.
