Mr. Aitken describes being invited to become a military meteorologist and accepting that challenge.
Meteorological Training
Mr. Aitken describes the various levels of training he passed through as his credentials were upgraded.
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.
Predicting the Weather
Mr. Aitken describes the different variables and information sources necessary to compile a weather report
Briefing the Generals
Mr. Aitken describes being “too efficient” and how his detailed information would only confuse his generals.
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.
VE-Day
Mr. Aitken discusses his feelings about the war’s end.
British Resolve
Mr. Aitken describes his admiration of British resiliency in the face of German bombing.
War was a Unifying Force
Mr. Aitken discusses his thoughts that the war unified Canada, and what his ideas of patriotism are.