Learning to Fly

Fascinated by the new “flying machines” Hugh decided that he wanted to give it a try. In 1913, whilst attending the Staff College in Camberley, he arranged for private flying lessons at the Royal Aero Club at the Vickers School of Flying (Brooklands). After less than 2 hours instruction in the air he was awarded an Aviator’s Certificate (No.711) on 19^th December in a Vickers biplane. The following year he undertook training at the Royal Flying Corps’ Central Flying School at Upavon “and, assessed to be “Above average officer. Keen and able”, he was awarded his “Wings” and added to the Reserve List of the RFC but, in the interim, returned to the Royal Garrison Artillery.

---