 Known as "Tiffy", Torrens-Spence was born in Whiteabbey, County Antrim, Ireland the son of a professional soldier.Educated at Mourne Grange Public School, Kilkeel, at the age of 13 he attended Dartmouth Royal Naval College.After initial service in the fleet Torrens-Spence volunteered for flying duties with the Fleet Air Arm, which at that time was under the command of the Royal Air Force.