Kenneth Gandar-Dower

Who was Kenneth Gandar-Dower?

Kenneth Cecil Gandar-Dower was a leading English sportsman, aviator, explorer and author.

Born at his parents' home in Regent's Park, London, Gandar-Dower was the fourth and youngest son of independently wealthy Joseph Wilson Gandar-Dower and his wife Amelia Frances Germaine. Two of his elder brothers, Eric and Alan Gandar Dower, served as Conservative Members of Parliament.

Gandar-Dower attended Harrow School, where he played cricket, association football, Eton Fives and rackets and, with Terence Rattigan, wrote for The Harrovian. He then received a scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge in 1927 to read History, gaining an upper second. More important, he won athletic blues in billiards, tennis and real tennis, Rugby Fives, Eton Fives and rackets. In addition, Gandar-Dower edited Granta magazine and chaired the Trinity debating society.