Paul Sanford Methuen was born on 1 September 1845 and was educated at Eton College.
At the outbreak of the South African War (1899-1902) he was appointed General Officer Commanding the 1st Division, responsible for the Relief of Kimberley. Having fought the battles at Belmont and Graspan, he was slightly wounded at the Battle of Modder River, and suffered a serious defeat at the Battle of Magersfontein.
After the Relief of Kimberley, Methuen remained in the Kimberley–Boshof area with the responsibility of capturing Boer General de Wet.
He was wounded and subsequently captured by Boer General de la Rey at the Battle of Tweebosch. De la Rey released him due to the severity of his injuries.
