In those days the Fund provided Fellowships for mature students from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and other Commonwealth countries to study at American universities. Students were required to have worked with government or other institutions and their applications were vetted by a committee of senior public servants and administrators who selected those who seemed likely to attain senior positions in their professions.

My contacts with prominent meteorologists of many countries during IMO meetings in Canada, New Zealand and the US and with staffs of the meteorological services of those countries had convinced me that I would benefit professionally from a period of meteorological study overseas. A Harkness Fellowship would provide such an opportunity if I were lucky enough to be a successful applicant.

My wife, Audrey, agreed with the prospect of my gaining further qualifications and experience as it could lead to further promotion and increased income which would be handy for the care and education of our three children. She felt that she could manage the house and care for the children in my absence.

E. W. Timcke said I could not expect to receive a full salary during my absence but that I may be granted half-pay. I agreed to the reduction in pay and forwarded my application to the Fund authorities early in 1951. In due course I received notification that my application had been successful.

I had received a good education by the care and attention of my mother in my early years and the generosity of Sir Samuel McCaughey in creating a fund to assist the children of soldiers killed in World War I. I felt that I could demonstrate my gratitude for their assistance by acquiring further academic qualifications which would enhance my career as a professional meteorologist. A Commonwealth Fund Fellowship had some distinction as only two or three were offered for Australia and New Zealand in 1951.

Bureau of Meteorology