Born in Liverpool, 11 April 1878, the only son and eldest child of Henry Thompson, provision merchant and company director of Liverpool and Chester, and Elinor Julia Walker, his wife. He was educated at Arundel House School, Chester, where he was captain of both elevens. He won a high place in compe

Born on 12 December 1880 son of W R Hamilton, Indian Civil Service, he was educated at Tonbridge School and St Bartholomew's Hospital, where he won a prize in anatomy in 1902, and served as house physician and ophthalmic house surgeon. He played cricket and Rugby football for his school and hospital