Son of Sir Harry Hands, K.B.E., and Lady Aletta Catherine Hands, O.B.E., of Talana, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa. On Cape Town "Company Gardens" Artillery Memorial. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, on the 26 July 1888, he was educated at Diocesan College (known as "Bishops"), Rondebosch, Cape Town, and Oxford University, earning rugby "Blues" in 1908 and 1909. A Rhodes Scholar (Rondebosh 1907). He played for Middlesex and upon selection for England, played in 2 tests, against France and Scotland. A member of a well-known South African family, he and two brothers, namely K.C.M. and P.A.M. Hands all played test cricket for South Africa in 1913.