[6][1] After attending Strand School, he worked for a mechanical engineering organisation.

In 1916 he attempted to enlist for military service, but his bad eyesight meant that he was initially unsuccessful.

However, with the increasing demand for military manpower, the regulations were relaxed and he was able to enlist as a Private in the 4th Battalion of the Royal West Kent regiment in 1918.

[1] He worked as a professor at the University of Cape Town (1923–1930) and at the London School of Economics (1930–1965).

His widow, Edith, Lady Plant, died a decade later.