 Cunningham began his training at Hatfield Aerodrome in August 1935 and flew solo on 15 March 1936, receiving his commission as a pilot officer on 7 May 1936.He was awarded his wings in the summer of 1936.This was when he met Cecil F. "Jimmy" Rawnsley, a 32-year-old electrical engineer who would later serve as aerial gunner and radar operator on all but three of his successful air battles.