Born in Pietermaritzburg on the 30th May, 1924, the son of Robert Henry Edwin Stegall Rose and Beatrice Churchill, nee Strapp. Educated at Durban High School (Preparatory). After Bothie, joined the Andrew Weir Company as an Apprentice, qualifying for his 2nd Mate's Certificate in 1943. Ex-Cadet of the South African Training Ship General Botha