Son of the Rev. Arthur Hall Trevor Benson and Emily Maud Benson, formerly of Johannesburg, South Africa, late of Abbots Bromley, Rugeley, Staffordshire. Born Limerick, Ireland in 1897. Blundell's School, "Westlake". Entered the school aged 14 in June 1910 - Christmas 1914. He was a school monitor and a member of the school OTC from 1912 to 1914 attaining the rank of Corporal. He attended camp in 1912 and 1914. A member of the band, he also sang (bass) in the choir. In 1915 he won a prize cadetship to Sandhurst attaining 12th place. He received his commission in May 1915 and was recommended for promotion to Lieutenant on 9th September 1915. On 13th May 1916 his father was informed by telegram that he had been wounded in action with three gunshot wounds in his shoulder, left arm and left leg. He was transferred to the Red Cross Hospital (No.1) at Le Touquet, France. ref. South African Roll of Honour 1914-1918
LG Sup 24 June 1916 - "For conspicuous gallantry during a raid on the enemy's trenches. Although wounded before the advance began, he continued to lead with great determination, forced his way through the enemy's wire, and although, again twice wounded, threw bombs into the trench till his supply was exhausted. He was the last to withdraw after all the wounded had been removed to safety. He also on another occasion made a very daring reconnaissance."