Tony was born on 19 July 1915 in Mile End Old Town, London to Polish born parents Louis and Annie nee Safir. He was named Tovyer/Tobias Cohen at birth and legally changed his name to Anthony Craig in 1942. He was the youngest of eight children and their father Louis worked as a Master costume tailor. In 1921 the family lived at 1 Goodge Street, Tottenham Court Road in London.

In 1939, Tony lived at 5 Dobree Avenue, Willesden and was working as a salesman. He married Sylvia Cooper at Cricklewood Synagogue in 1942.

It is thought by his family that Tony died of dysentery.