The son of Robert and Ann, of St Lukes, St Clement. Prior to the war he possibly worked as a blacksmith.

After training as a machine gunner in Ireland and Aldershot he served with the Machine Gun Section of the 7th Royal Irish Rifles, apparently in the role of a driver. Went to the front with the Jersey Company in December 1915 and three months later took part in the Maxim Gun Competition during a brigade sports event held on St Patrick's Day. Served through 1916 and 1917 before moving with most other remaining Jersey Company members to 2nd Hampshire Regiment at the start of 1918.

After probably taking part in the march into Germany at the end of 1918, he was demobilised from the Army March the following year. Immediately after the war, he lived at Greve D'Azette, St Clement. In 1926 he attended ceremonies in Belgium and France to unveil memorials to the 16th (Irish) Division.