newspaper notices and advertisements show that brandon-cremer worked as a cinematographer with a. c. tinsdale starting in 1915, a relationship that would last many years, and would benefit him greatly. in may 1917 brandon-cremer became second wireless operator aboard the steamship 'boonah' as he headed for the uk. in august 1917 he joined the british garrison artillery (bga), part of the uk royal horse artillery as a gunner (serial no. 198613). it seems he never saw active service over his 18 months with the bga, but did qualify for several medals. in press interviews later in life, brandon-cremer said he was "associated" with the r.a.f. and consequently saw service with the british north russian relief force in russia during the allied intervention in the russian civil war, and took part in the evacuation of archangel in northern russia) in late 1919 he has stated he earned the distinguished flying cross, (not verified) and displayed this medal (evidence of his flying ability can be found in the short travelogue "in and around mackay" (1933), where he is seen in the cockpit flying above mackay)