Commissioned in the Royal Flying Corps

Francis Cooper Penny was a tram conductor living in Ascot Vale when he enlisted in March 1917. He embarked with the 38 Inf Bn, and by April 1917 when he was discharged from the AIF in England, he was a Lance Corporal.  The next day he joined the Royal Flying Corps, Commissioned as  a 2nd Lieutenant.  The above image is from the Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificate.

Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificates

Here's a source I knew nothing about until Geoff Haynes drew it to my attention with this entry in the Great Britain, Royal Aero Club Aviators’ Certificates, 1910-1950, now included in Ancestry.  Roger Eastwood left Australia with 7 Inf Bn, but while in Egypt in 1915 received a commission in the British Army, and thereafter served with the 1st Essex Regiment.  And evidently learnt to fly while he had the opportunity!