Born on Jan. 12, 1899 in Portage la Prairie, Man. where his father was a bank manager. Schooled in Edmonton where, after completing second year university (Alberta), he enlisted, at eighteen years of age, in the 196th (Western Universities) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.), which he thought was to provide reinforcements for the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. At university he completed the officer requirement in the Canadian Officers Training Corps, but joined up as a private to be with friends. (15:00) At that time an older brother in the Royal Flying Corps caused him to consider that corps first. The decision was postponed while he underwent serious training in Canada. By troop train to Halifax, which took six days interspersed with exercise stops and two route marches. Overseas in the Mauretania, sailing alone, with about eight thousand others, packed like sardines. In England joined a reinforcement battalion, the 21st Battalion, C.E.F. Rigorous training. A few days leave with his brother tipped the scales in favour of the Royal Flying Corps (R.F.C). In London he was discharged from the Canadian Army and joined the British. Two weeks of indoctrination followed (mostly drill), then posted to the aviation ground school at Christ Church College, Oxford. (30:00) In Jan. 1918 he was sent to the 25th Training Squadron, R.F.C. as a provisional second lieutenant. Bought R.F.C. officer's uniform, but wore a white flash in cap to indicate that he was a student. Began flying in a Maurice Farman pusher aircraft, then a de Havilland 6, B.E. 2C, R.E. 8, and others. Describes some air tactics and manoeuvres. A further two weeks were spent at aerial gunnery school, including air photography with single frame cameras. (45:00)