Jack was educated at Bedford School where he stroked the eight and also captained the rugby football XV. During the First World War he served in the Liverpool Scottish Regiment and was wounded in the leg in France. He returned to London and learned the craft of furniture-making for Beresford & Hicks in his father's factory.
Jack received an education at Bedford School where he excelled academically, particularly in mathematics, and captained the rugby team. During World War I, he served in the Liverpool Scottish Regiment and was wounded in France. He returned to London and learned the craft of furniture-making from his father's factory.