Son of Leopold F. Melvill and Mary Kate White (later Jessup), 48 Karl Street, Jeppestown; one sister, Pera; two brothers, Bramley and Francis Leopold. Played 1st XI cricket from age 12 and scoring over 900 runs in a season and taking 10 wickets in a single match in the process. Played 1st XI soccer from age 13 and captaining the unbeaten 1st team when only 14 years of age. Obtaining full colours for cricket, soccer, shooting and swimming. Cuckoo was widely predicted to obtain Springbok status but was tragically killed in World War I. Attended Jeppe High School for Boys. Known as "Cuckoo". On Jeppe High School for Boys Roll of Honour. He was admitted to the Jeppe School in January 1908 and left in December 1915. After school he joined the British Army as a Gunner with the Royal Field Artillery.