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404083 Warrant Officer Albert James Milner. (surname underlined)
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. T.A. Milner of Mosgiel. (town underlined)

(indented) Albert Milner was born at Balclutha on the 26th January 1914. His secondary education was received at Mosgiel District High School. The sports in which he took part were tennis, golf, swimming, boxing and deerstalking. Joining the Territorial Forces he served for three years in the Otago Regiment. His civilian occupation was that of a driver in the employ of Eeroyd's Garage and Transport Co., Hawarden. In November 1939 he applied for war service in the R.N.Z.A.F.

Warrant Officer Milner was enlisted for aircrew training on the 27th October 1940 at the Ground Training School, Levin and on the 5th December embarked on the "Aorangi" at Auckland to proceed to Canada for training under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

Shortly after arrival at Canada, Warrant Officer Milner was posted on the 23rd December to No. 2 Wireless School, Calgary, Alberta. Following this course, he was posted on the 26th May 1941 to No. 5 Bombing and Gunnery School, Dafoe, Saskatchewan, and while here on the 23rd June was awarded his wireless operator air gunner's badge and promoted to sergeant. Later, when in England on the 1st January, 1942 he was promoted to flight sergeant and on the 1st April, 1943 further promoted to warrant officer. Meanwhile, on the 30th June, 1941 he had proceeeded to No. 1 "M" Depot, Debert, Nova Scotia, to await embarkation for the United Kingdom.

Having arrived in England on the 28th July 1941, Warrant Officer Milner was held at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth until posted on the 31st October to No. 2 Signals School, Yatesbury, Wiltshire.