McCudden joined as a mechanic, became an observer, and was commissioned about seven months after re-training as a pilot, spending some time as a sergeant pilot.
The 'turned down by No.85 Squadron' story is interesting - but history records that he commanded 60, instead - an even more prestigious squadron (the former squadron of Bishop and Albert Ball.....)
In any case, command of 85 was given to Mick Mannock - equally middle class, equally non public school and who had also risen through the ranks - and who was an ardent Socialist to boot!