Family background uncertain.

After training in Ireland and Aldershot he went to the front with the Jersey Company in December 1915. In March the following year he attended a course on artificial respiration. Subsequently, he appears to have served with the Jersey Company through 1916, winning a mention in dispatches in July, and into 1917 before leaving to train as an officer. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Rifle Brigade, he was attached for activie sevice to 16th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. While serving with that unit in October 1918 he won a Military Cross. The citation for this award reads:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on October 12th/13th, 1918, south of Neuvilly. He led his platoon under very heavy fire to a position to protect an unprotected flank. Though at one time completely surrounded he held his position with great gallantry and succeeded in allowing the remainder of his battalion to extricate themselves from a very difficult position. His conduct throughout a very trying day was excellent.'

Following the war, he was one of the founding members of the Jersey Contingent Association, and appears to have remained an active participant for most of his life. In August 1924, he returned to Belgium and France as part of an official Jersey Company party attending the unveiling of memorials to the 16th (Irish) Division.