Although he was not one of the founders of Qantas, Arthur Baird's engineering skill was vital to the early success of the air service. Baird served his engineering apprenticeship in Melbourne. After joining the Australian Flying Corps at Point Cook, he served as a flight sergeant in Palestine with No. 1 Squadron AFC where he met Paul McGinness and Hudson Fysh. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) for his ability to maintain aero engines in difficult conditions.