Arthur Pritchard was the son of Mr and Mrs A.J. Pritchard of Wanganui. He was educated at Wanganui Technical College where he passed matriculation and gained School Certificate. He furthered his studies by taking a commercial course at correspondence school. He was involved in rugby, cricket, tennis, swimming and athletics. Before applying for enrolment in the Civil Reserve in February 1939 he was employed in the Commercial Bank of Australia, Wanganui.

He began his flying training at the Wanganui Aero Club and on the outbreak of war he immediately applied for service in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Enlisted for aircrew training on 20 November 1939 he was at the Ground Training School, Levin until he was posted to No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School, New Plymouth on 18 December 1939. On completion of this elementary training he was posted on 11 March 1940 to No. 2 Service Flying Training School, Blenheim and on 14 May 1940 received his flying badge. On 28 June 1940 he was commissioned as a pilot officer and on 12 July he left for England.

On 26 August he arrived at RAF Depot, Uxbridge, Middlesex and was posted to No. 15 Operational Training Unit, Harwell, Berkshireon 7 September. He crewed up and received operational training on Wellington bomber aircraft before beimg posted to No. 99 Squadron, Newmarket, Suffolk on 12 November. He began operational flying.

Attended Wanganui Techinical Cpllege (Source: RNZAF Biographies (R17845614)) AWMM