Andrew Board joined the South Wales Borderers in 1900. In 1910, against Army Orders, he learnt to fly at Louis Bleriot's flying school at Hendon during 15 days' leave. Board was rewarded with Pilot's Licence No. 36 and a rocket from his Commanding Officer! Just prior to World War I, he was posted to the Central Flying School at Netheravon. During the war he flew continuously on the Western Front in France and Belgium.