[6] He was awarded First Class Honours in the Cambridge Natural Sciences Tripos in 1903,[7] graduating as Third Wrangler.

[7] During this time he focused his research on radioactive equilibrium in the stratosphere and produced the first scientific explanation for isothermal conditions.

[9] Gold provided critical weather forecasting information and research for the war effort, such as monitoring changes in rainfall and the impact on ground conditions to support strategic decisions.

[8] This demonstrated the vital role of meteorologists to the military hierarchy and by the end of the war Gold's staff team had expanded from three to 120 personnel.

[8] Gold was mentioned in dispatches from the Commander in Chief of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF),[7] was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and Order of the British Empire, and rose from his temporary commission to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.