The son of John and Lydia, of Rosemount Cottages, Elizabeth Lane, St Saviour. On joining the Jersey Company he claimed to be 18-years-old whereas actually he was only 16.

Despite his age, he trained in Ireland and Aldershot before going to the front with the Jersey Company in August 1915. In March the following year he underook training as an Observer. Subsequently he served through 1916 and 1917 before transferring with most other remaining Jersey Company members to 2nd Hampshire Regiment in January 1918. Awarded the Military Medal in recognition of his actions of the 14th of October 1918. On that day he got together his section and led them on a hazardous expedition during which two Germans were killed, and six captured, along with a machine gun. Previously, he had been awarded parchment certificates for bravery by both the 16th and 29th Divisions.

Demobilised from the Army in March 1919.