Wally Mildren was born on February 24, 1923 in London, England and took his early education and engineering studies in Barking, Essex, obtaining a National Certificate in mechanical engineering. He joined the Royal Air Force in December 1941 commencing his aircrew training in May the following year. Wally took part of his flying training in Canada under the BCATP and graduated from No.5 Air Observer School in Winnipeg with the rank of Pilot Officer in October 1943. He completed a tour of thirty operations on Lancaster bombers with No.622 Squadron, at Mildenhall, between August and December 1944. He then served in India from April 1945 to August 1946 on Movement Control duties latterly as Officer Commanding No.3. Movement Control in Madras with the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

On being allowed to resign his commission he immigrated to Canada in December 1946, destination Winnipeg. Whilst working with the City of Winnipeg he completed his studies at the University of Manitoba and worked with the Board of Parks and Recreation, the Manitoba Power Commission and Manitoba Hydro as a civil engineer until his retirement in February 1986.

He joined the Air Cadet Movement as an instructor with 220 (Red River) Squadron in 1947 serving, eventually, as Adjutant and Commanding Officer. He was promoted to Squadron Leader in 1952. In 1957 he was appointed CO of No.3 Air Cadet Wing with the rank of Wing Commander; subsequently receiving the Canadian Forces Decoration and clasp and the Centennial Medal. Upon relinquishing the position as CO of the Wing he was appointed to the Executive Committee of the Manitoba Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League becoming Vice Chairman in 1973 and Chairman from 1975 to 1978. In June of 1978 he was appointed to the National Executive Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada, was made a Vice President in 1981 and became President in 1984-85. At present he is a member of the National Advisory Board and National Nominating Committee. In 2003 he was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. He is a Life Member of the Air Cadet League of Canada (Manitoba) Inc. and was recipient of the Manitoba Movement's Distinguished Service Award in 2008. Wally received the National League's Certificate of Honour in 2005.

He was a Life Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba and a Life Member of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering. He was a Past Group President of the Air Force Association of Canada and has held a number of executive positions in several Freemasonic organizations, including four years as Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba. In June 1998 he was elected an Honorary Past Grand Master of that Grand Lodge. In 1999 he and his wife Gladys celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with daughters Gail and husband John, Janet and husband Fred, grandson Scott and many friends.

Walter (Wally) Alfred Mildren passed away peacefully on September 28, 2022 at Riverview Health Centre at the age of 99 years.