Bayley was born on 22 January 1878, the son of Edward Hodson Bayley, who was a wheelwright and later became MP for North Camberwell. He was educated at University College School, where he took an active part in all school plays in French, German and English, and was captain of rugby and cricket. He

Born 19 February 1879, the eldest son of Edward John Smith, banker, of Bridlington, Yorkshire, and Mary Hewgill, daughter of Dr Hewgill of Repton. He was educated at Pocklington, at the Yorkshire College, Leeds, and at the London Hospital, where he served as house surgeon, after winning scholarships