The son of Philip and Ann, of Beach Road, Grouville. Prior to the war he lived at Pontac, St Clement, and worked as a carpenter.

In April 1916 he was attached to the 16th Division's Pioneer Battalion on account of his carpentry skills. .Wounded by gas poisoning in the attack on Ginchy in September 1916, he was evacuated to the UK for treatment. Returned to duty with the Jersey Company in December 1916. In March the following year he was in hospital again, this time suffering with foot problems. After transferring to 2nd Royal Irish Rifles with the rest of the Jersey Company in November 1917, the following month he was evacuated to Highfield VAD Hospital, Southampton, suffering from Rheumatism. He did not return to the front, spending the rest of the war with the Royal Irish Rifles in Ireland. Discharged from the Army in February 1918.