His childhood was a happy one, with his "imperialistic grandfather" having a strong influence in his upbringing. At age six he was hospitalised for six months after being hit by a lorry when alighting from a tram, cracking his skull. Then at age seven he attended a Sussex boarding school, Ardingly College, the youngest boy in the school and very homesick. But after successfully "plotting to get out" with his elder brother for four terms he spent the rest of his schooling at Croydon: first at The Limes (Old Palace of John Whitgift School) – at that time a preparatory school – then at the associated senior independent school, Whitgift School.