Sergeant Davenport achieved his Grade 12 diploma in August 1938, two years before he enlisted in July 1940. He came with winning letters of recommendation from multiple members of the Boy Scouts' Association (Saskatoon Branch) who called him "thoroughly trustworthy and reliable" and "always ready and willing to do anything asked or required of him in a capable and conscientious manner." During training his map reading skills were said to be excellent.