Originally enlisting with the Australian Engineers, as a radio technician, he transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force in 1942.  He embarked for the UK in November 1943, arriving some 5 weeks later.  On the 17th January 1944 he was charged with the theft of a watch from RNZAF Flt. Sgt Garth Essex, and committed for Courts - Martial in March 1944. He was found guilty, and sentenced to 28 days detention, the loss of 5 days pay and reduced to the ranks.  However, he seems to have regained  rank (W.O. Sergeant) when re-instated to active service.  He was killed in an accident, in Wellington reg BK135, which crashed, due to an electrical storm, at Ashbury, Berkshire while on a training flight from RAF Morton-in Marsh. [service record]