Shell Oil Company: After graduating from school, Dahl worked for the Shell Oil Company in East Africa. He spent two years in Tanzania (then Tanganyika) as a salesman, traveling around the country and selling oil to villages and local businesses.
British Royal Air Force: Dahl joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a pilot during World War II. He trained as a fighter pilot and was posted to the Middle East, where he flew Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire aircraft. Dahl became a Flight Lieutenant and took part in several aerial battles, during which his plane was shot down on more than one occasion.
Writer for Newspapers and Magazines: Before achieving fame as a children's book author, Dahl worked as a journalist and short story writer for various newspapers and magazines. He wrote for publications such as the "Saturday Evening Post," "Collier's Weekly," and "The New Yorker." His early writings included short stories, travelogues, and war-related articles.
Intelligence Officer: During World War II, Dahl also served as an intelligence officer for the British government. He was recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE), a secret organization responsible for conducting sabotage and espionage operations behind enemy lines. Dahl's role involved gathering intelligence, recruiting spies, and planning covert missions.