hugh hudson was born at 27 welbeck street, london, the son and only child of michael donaldson-hudson and his second wife jacynth mary ellerton, from cheswardine in rural north east shropshire. michael's father was ralph charles donaldson-hudson, and his great-grandfather was charles donaldson-hudson, a one-time member of parliament for newcastle-under-lyme, staffordshire. his paternal ancestors came from scotland and cumberland. he was sent to boarding school in 1942 at the age of 6, and thereafter was educated at eton college. he began his national service in the dragoon guards from 28 january 1956, reaching the rank of second lieutenant and remained as a lieutenant in the army reserve of officers until he was discharged on 16 january 1960.