Redman was born on 8 April 1910 in Rochester, Kent, England. His parents were Arthur, an officer in the Royal Engineers, and Vera Redman. He was educated at Wellington College, an independent school in Crowthorne, Berkshire. He studied electrical engineering at the University of London, graduating with a first class degree. He then joined Midland Electric Light and Power Company. As an apprentice, he converted domestic houses from gas to electric lighting.