My interest in Aviation first developed in 1914 when I was living in Frankfurt opposite the aerodrome learning German. I often witnessed the landings of the German Zeppelin airship, the “Viktoria Louise”, which used to return there from numerous commercial flights throughout Germany. Even in those days sightseers could journey up and down the Rhine in this stately airship, in which every comfort was provided, including a first class dining saloon.

The day before war was declared I returned home and joined the Royal Naval Air Service and was eventually commissioned as Flight Sub-Lieutenant in October 1915. I was posted to the Airship Section which had recently been taken over from the Army by the Royal Navy to work in conjunction with destroyers in submarine spotting.