Kneale was born in 1875. He initially trained in military intelligence before joining Torchwood One at the age of twenty-four in 1899. One of his first assignments was helping Torchwood Cardiff with the Centurian Incident on 31 December 1899 and its clean-up. He grew attached to the city and was an early supporter of the Rift Theory, whose other supporters included Captain Jack Harkness. On his return to London, he lobbied for a transfer to Cardiff but it wouldn’t be until 1907, when a schism occurred at Torchwood Cardiff, that he would get his wish granted. The disharmony that transpired resulted in the controversial appointment of Kneale as the new leader of Torchwood Three. The fear was unfounded; under his command, the team made great strides. (COMIC: Rift War!)