Born at Llechwyd Farm, Towyn on 27 September 1874, the second child of John Rowlands, farmer, and Elizabeth Pugh, his wife. His parents died when he was five years old and his upbringing was supervised by trustees and his elder brother, Richard Pugh Rowlands. He was educated at Dolgelly Grammar Scho

Born 28 April 1878 at Croxall Lodge, Bromham Road, Bedford, the son of James Aberdour Elmslie and Cecilia Cheyne, his wife. His father, a master marine and lieutenant RNR, was captain of the *La Hogue* and the *Sobraon*, noted clippers on the Australian run. His mother came of distinguished medical