His primary course of study was in mathematics which he was taught by Professor George H. Bryan, F.R.S., an English applied mathematician who was an authority on thermodynamics and aeronautics.

From 1913 to 1916 he held an 1851 Exhibition Science Research Scholarship studying at the University of Göttingen and later at the National Physics Laboratory in Teddington.

[3] After this he joined the staff of the Aerodynamics Division of the National Physical Laboratory, staying there until his retirement in 1953.

His initial work at the National Physical Laboratory was on the mathematical theory of aeroplane stability.

Later he focused on wind tunnel experiments aimed at developing the stability of airships and also torpedoes.