Brigadier Arthur Henry Grenville Fortescue was born on 6 September 1913.

He married Rosita Anne Campbell, daughter of Maj.-Gen. John Charles Campbell, V.C., on 30 April 1946.

He is the son of Captain Grenville Fortescue and Adelaide Jephson.

He was educated at Winchester College, Winchester, Hampshire, England.

He graduated from Christ Church, Oxford University, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).

He fought in the Second World War, where he was mentioned in despatches and was wounded.

He gained the rank of Brigadier in the service of the Coldstream Guards.

He was decorated with the award of Military Cross (M.C.).

He was invested as a Member, Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.) in 1946.