Predicting the Weather
Mr. Aitken describes the different variables and information sources necessary to compile a weather report
John Aitken
First name
John
Last name
Aitken
Gender
M
Biography
John Aitken was born June 4, 1917, in Kenora, Ontario. He was the eldest of three children. His family moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta, where his father worked as a flour miller. After graduating high school at age seventeen, Mr. Aitken became a teacher and then school principal. He graduated from university in 1942. Mr. Aitken initially enlisted in the artillery, but after his arrival in England was selected to train as a meteorologist. As the war progressed he achieved the highest level possible, Independent Forecaster. After the war, Mr. Aitken continued a distinguished military career, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant.
People old ID
569
People Language
E
Independent Forecaster
Mr. Aitken discusses becoming an independent forecaster, the highest level of military meteorologist, and describes having to brief the Allied commander on a daily basis.
Meteorological Training
Mr. Aitken describes the various levels of training he passed through as his credentials were upgraded.
A Different Military Career
Mr. Aitken describes being invited to become a military meteorologist and accepting that challenge.
War was a Unifying Force
Mr. Aitken discusses his thoughts that the war unified Canada, and what his ideas of patriotism are.
British Resolve
Mr. Aitken describes his admiration of British resiliency in the face of German bombing.
VE-Day
Mr. Aitken discusses his feelings about the war’s end.
Stress
Mr. Aitken describes how critical weather reports were to the successful completion of air sorties, and how he worried about the safe return of the pilots.
Briefing the Generals
Mr. Aitken describes being “too efficient” and how his detailed information would only confuse his generals.