1.2 The early years

He was born in 1886 into a wealthy family. After being educated at home until he was 13, he was sent to a prominent public school, Marlborough. Although he had begun to write poetry at an early age, his expectations – like those of many young men of his generation – were that his privileged life would continue without the need for him to do much more than indulge his hobbies of golf, hunting and socialising. He continued to develop a poetic style and by 1914 had published some poetry and prose. Following his horse-riding interests, he enlisted in 1915 in the Yeomanry, and was sent to the front in France in early 1916. In May 1916 he was engaged in a battle where he showed great bravery. and was awarded the Military Cross. Later he was wounded, and was sent home on sick leave.