Family background uncertain. Prior to the war he lived in Old Street, St Helier.

Trained in Ireland and Aldershot before going to the front with the Jersey Company in December 1915. In March 1916, he undertook a course in tunnelling. Subsequently he appears to have served at the front through 1916 and 1917. At some point, however, he may have been wounded or fallen ill because he did not transfer to the Hampshire Regiment with most other remaining Jersey Company members in December 1918 and was discharged from the Army in June 1918.