Initially trained at RNZAF Levin, New Zealand, then embarked overseas for Air Observers School training in Canada as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Scheme. Then attended OTU training at Lossiemouth in Scotland.

He began his tour of operations during July-December 1943 as a Navigator with No. 460 (RAAF) Squadron operating Avro Lancasters. That tour of duty was then followed by Navigator Instructor duties when he was posted firstly to 27 Operational Training Unit at RAF Lichfield, followed by similar postings to 12 OTU at RAF Benson/11 OTU at RAF Westcott and its satellite station, RAF Oakley. In Dec 1944 he was posted to 2 Group Support Unit/2 Group which was located initially at Swanton Morley and later at RAF Fersfield.

His final operational service was with No. 487 (NZ) Squadron, operating de Havilland Mosquito’s between the 8th and 19th of March, 1945. Family source.

Promotional Record:

26/12/41 : LAC-Air Observer
14/08/42 : Sgt-Navigator
15/05/43 : Flight Sgt-Navigator
09/10/43 : Commissioned as a Pilot Officer
10/04/44 : Promoted to Flying Officer
18/03/46 : Promoted to Flight Lieutenant AWMM