The son of The Reverend Charles Tuke and his wife Mary, he was born at Taradale in April 1885.

After completing his education, he was employed by the stock and station agency Williams & Kettle,[2] after which he joined the Roads Department.

[5] Following this, he was invited by a relative to live with them in the United States and learn farming, remaining there for five years.

[1] Tuke enlisted with the New Zealand Army immediately at the start of the First World War.

Serving with the 6th Hauraki Regiment, he travelled with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to Europe.