1941 - 1945.  Joined the Air Training Corps 1032 Yeovil Squadron. 

ATC  Corporal, then Sergeant.Trained in flying, Navigation (including Pythagoras Triangle of Velocities calculations, equations and Astronomy)  Meteorology, Theory of flight, Engines, Bomb aiming, Gliding (Qualified as a glider pilot in the ATC 26 March 44. )
On one occasion, An Air Vice Marshal came to inspect our progress. I was instructed to demonstrate a straight forward flight down the airfield, climb a few hundred feet and then pull the release, tow catch and land at the other end of the airfield.  Somehow I climbed up higher than instructed and was too high to land without completing a circuit and of necessity the land into wind. On landing I was given a severe dressing down by my ATC Commanding Officer in front of the Air Vice Marshall , but shortly after he was quite complimentary.

Passed exams resulting in reduced period of RAF( Aircrew) training from 6  months to 3.Other flying experiences were 6 flights as a rear passenger in 2 seater Fairey Fulmars which were stationed at RNAS Yeovilton. Pilots were training whilst also at dispersal points around the airfield in standby mode ready for a scramble alert take off for action against attacking German planes.
These training fights whilst sitting on a ready to use parachute consisted of Circuit and Bumps - practicing take offs and landings on Aircraft Carriers and also mock “Dog Fights at 10.000 feet. It was in one of the latter we were at 10,000 ft and went into a dive to avoid an attacking plane. The blood drained from my face, and I blacked out in the tight turn with many forces of “G”  operating. In those days they didn’t have pressurized suits. The pilot also admitted that he also blacked out briefly in one turn. That was probably the most frightening moment of my life.

Flew dual control in Stinson Reliant over Cheddar Gorge, Westland Lysanders.  At this time whilst training as a glider pilot on Westland Aircraft airfield (50 plus solo flights in Dagling gliders,) I met; assisted and received advice from Prince Bira a member of the Thai Royal family – grandson of King Mongkut portrayed in the musical The King and I.  Prince Bira was not only a racing driver, he was also an excellent glider pilot and of powered aircraft, double Olympic Champion. In 1952 he flew the remarkable distance from London to Bangkok with his own twin engine Miles Gemini aircraft.

In 1943 I went to Bournemouth and in the afternoon went to a Tea Dance; in early evening to listen to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and later to An American Jazz Band. A few weeks later, 200 people including some Canadian airmen staying at the Royal Bath Hotel were killed by a German Focke Wulf bombing raid in Lansdowne Road.