Ken began his career in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in Cheltenham. Aviation ran in his family with his father being in the Royal Flying Corp and RAF. He began flying as a Sergeant Pilot at RAF Staverton in Gloucestershire, undertaking a fifteen-day annual training. He was offered the job of secretary to the test pilot until the beginning of the war, balancing the volunteer reserve flying with this role.

Ken passed his flying exams and took ground exams in maths and physical training. He trained in Tiger Moths, Hawker Harts, Miles Magisters (Maggie’s) and Miles Masters. When the Battle of Britain began Ken was flying at RAF Montrose in Scotland.  He left and arrived at Harden to fly Spitfires, describing it as a wonderful experience due to their tremendous power and control. It was also his first step into becoming an operational fighter pilot.

He was posted to C Class Squadron and then joined No 616 Squadron at Kirton-in-Lindsey Lincolnshire. He later joined the 19 Squadron at Fowlmere Airfield, and then RAF Duxford under control of the famous RAF flying ace Douglas Bader. After the Battle of Britain Ken instructed on Hurricane OTU (Operational Training Units) where he taught pupils from different countries. He finished his flying career at RAF Abington working on fighter affiliation with bomber crews finishing as a Flying Officer.

Post war there was much building work to be done so Ken began a career as a quantity surveyor. Later in life Ken enjoyed going to Duxford to see the memorial flights and hearing the sounds of the Spitfires as they flew overhead.