Ambler was born on 23 June 1904 in Baildon, West Riding of Yorkshire,[1] and was educated at Shrewsbury and Clare College, University of Cambridge.

He then worked in the family firm of Fred Ambler Limited in Bradford, Yorkshire and during his time with the company he invented a method which increased the speed at which worsted yarn might be produced.

This auxiliary appointment was short-lived and, following the outbreak of World War II, Ambler was promoted to acting wing commander and took up duties as the Operations Controller at RAF Wick in December 1939.

Ambler also aligned each ROC area's territory to that of its associated Fighter Command group for more cohesive interception of enemy aircraft.

[2] Between August 1943 and October 1944 Ambler was an Aide de Camp to King George VI.