Francis Brian Shorland (known as Brian) was born on 14 July 1909 in Island Bay, Wellington, New Zealand. His father John Olive Shorland (1864–1946) had been a long-distance cycling racer in the South Island and subsequently owned and operated a cycle shop in Cuba Street in Wellington. However, John’s career was as diverse as it was engaging. It encompassed building, architecture, furniture and three years as a City Councillor (1917–1920).