Vernon V. Haddon was born 1898 (Dulwich College register states 1897), the elder of two sons, and second of total children. He was the son of Benjamin Percy, a Herne Hill merchant and Fanny Barrow. His brother Norman also fought in the war. They lived at 3 Hollingbourne Road, Herne Hill. The family had both a live-in cook and as well as a maid. Vernon attended Dulwich College from 1911 to 1912. At the end of 1912 he left to pursue an education abroad, attending a school in Godesberg, Germany.

When war was declared Vernon was back in England and, despite being underage, signed up as a Private in the 20th (Public Schools) Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. After undergoing training at Cambridge University Vernon turned to France to serve as a Second Lieutenant with the 11th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). He was killed in action at Ypres on 10 August 1917 at the age of 19.

Vernon's parents later left Herne Hill, moving to 3 Marine Crescent, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex.