Ron Bannister was born in 1938 in London during a period of rationing. He had a difficult childhood and lived with his mother and stepfather after his parents separated. As a teenager, he joined the Royal Navy training ship Arethusa in 1951 which helped set him on his career path. He served for many years in the Royal Navy, including on submarines from 1959-1968, traveling extensively and having some dangerous experiences but considering his military service overall a positive experience despite hardships. He married his wife Jean in 1960 and they had three sons together.