 Born on 24 March 1895 at Leongatha , Victoria , Mackinolty was the son of labourer James <unk> Mackinolty and his wife Mary . He went to public schools , obtaining his merit certificate before undertaking formal engineering and business courses in Melbourne . Commencing his working life as a coach and motor @-@ body builder , he enlisted in the Australian Military Forces on 17 August 1914 , soon after the outbreak of World War I. His experience in the motor industry led to assignment as an air mechanic with the Aviation Instructional Staff at Central Flying School ( CFS ) , Point Cook . He was soon promoted from private to corporal and later , having gained a reputation for his skill with timber , raised to sergeant and given command of the school 's woodworking team . 
