He acted as a child in his father Tal's film The Kid Stakes, later working with the radio station 2GB as a teenager and adult.

[3] In January 1927, aged six, Ordell was cast in his father's film The Kid Stakes as the main character, Fatty Finn.

[11] In late 1941, Ordell underwent medical examinations and was accepted by the Royal Australian Air Force to serve as an airman in the Second World War.

[12] The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers' Advocate explained that "always a flying fanatic, Robin has realised his boyhood ambitions, and holds high hopes of becoming a fighter pilot.

[17] On 3 February 1945, Ordell, a flight lieutenant, engaged in a bombing raid against industrial plants in Germany's Ruhr region.