Douglas, the youngest of four boys, born near Heartfield, Sussex. He was brought up on Bolebroke Estate. His Father, founder Director if London Brewery, Mann Grossman. Bolebroke was 1500 acre mixed farming estate also housed the Bolebroke beagles, started by Percy Mann. Douglas entered the war aged 18, joining 4/7th and landed on D. Day with the regiment. Twice wounded during the Europe campaign. In 1946 he married Evelyn. He started dairy farming near Devizes. A consumnate countryman and horseman he was master of the Avon Vale for 10 years. He competed to the highest standard on Homebred Horses. Later in 1969 moved to Knowle Farm, Bowerchalke, and became Master of S. W. Wilts and actively continued to influence Farming and Conservation matters right up to his death, aged 98 at his home, Vineyard House.