Harold Brayshaw was born in Johannesburg on 1 February 1896. His father, Edmund, was a mining director and his mother's maiden name was Harriette Williamson. Harold was educated at St John's College, Johannesburg and at the South African College, Cape Town, where he studied for two years. During

William Eric Marcus Mitchell was born at Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland, on 29 April 1897, the son of Dr John Finlay Mitchell, a medical practitioner and Anna, nee Shaw. His early education was at Campbell College, Belfast, and after leaving school he joined the Royal Irish Rifles, servi

Doherty, always called "George" though his real names were William David, was born on 17 July 1893 of Irish parents and educated at Dulwich College and King's College, Cambridge. He volunteered for active service when war broke out in August 1914, and served in France with the Royal Army Service Cor