the son of a railway worker from london, edward puttick was born in timaru, in south canterbury. he was educated at waitaki boys' high school, after which he joined the roads department, as it was then known, as a draughtsman. he joined the newly formed territorial force in 1911, serving as a second lieutenant in the 15th (north auckland) regiment. the following year he moved to wellington and was transferred to the 5th (wellington) regiment.