Educated at New Plymouth Boys' High School.

1934 - Became an apprentice electrician

7 September 1938, he joined Civil Reserve of Pilots and gained 'A' Licence at the Western Federated Aero Club.

19 October 1943 -Pilot Officer

19 April 1944- Flying Officer

March 1942-Posted to Delhi (India) from Cornwall.

Returned to operation, after first posting as a staff pilot at a paratroop training school, flying Vickers Valentias at 70m.p.h., on 4 January 1943 with 62 Squadron at Cuttack.

Incident on 16 March 1942 when detailed to attack Japanese position at Magwe, his Hudson was badly damaged so Bayly decided to turn off the engine and head for Chittagong, but damage to the fuel line made this impossible, so he and crew decided to head inland and bale out. After they landed it took the four men two days to find each other. Friendly Bengalis helped them evade Japanese patrols and they eventually reached Chittagong. On return to Cuttack the Court of Enquiry found Bayly made an error in switching off engine too soon. Finding resulted in Bayly having a heated verbal exchange with CO and it was recommended that he be reduced in rank, and disciplined. AOC later told Bayly he considered that right action had been taken in the Hudson but that Bayly's insubordination could not be overlooked and he forfeited a years seniority.

Following this incident he was posted to 31 Squadron (transport), carrying out supply drops to the Army, often in hazardous conditions until 9 April 1944.

Returned to New Zealand September 1944, and became staff Pilot at School of navigation, New Plymouth.

Portrait in Wynn, K. (1981). The Battle of Britain: 10 July - 31 October 1940 AWMM