Arthur Littlewood Newson was born at Wishpool, Victoria, Australia, on 22 August 1906. He was educated at Caulfield Grammar School and Melbourne University, qualifying MB BS in 1932 and was resident medical officer at the Alfred Hospital. He came to England and worked with Rodney Maingot, obtaining the FRCS in 1938. He served with the RAAMC from 1941 to 1946 and attained the rank of Major. He was President of the Central Victoria Branch of the National Trust Australia. He was a keen sportsman and played football, cricket, golf and bowls and also farmed. In 1940, he married Margaret Hanson. There were no children. He died on 2 May 1977, aged 71 years.