[1] He was born to George William Paton who was Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Messrs Bryant and May Ltd.

[2] During his time as a student, Paton had participated in the Officer Training Corps and obtained a Certificate "A" military proficiency award.

[3] His exploits at the Battle of Pilckem Ridge on 31 July 1917 resulted in being awarded the Military Cross.

[4][5] Paton was 22 years old, and an acting captain in the 4th Battalion, Grenadier Guards, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 1 December 1917 at Gonnelieu, France, when a unit on Captain Paton's left was driven back, thus leaving his flank in the air and his company practically surrounded, he walked up and down adjusting the line, within 50 yards of the enemy, under a withering fire.