The son of Francis and Jane, of Broad Street, St Helier. At the time of the war they were living in Charing Cross, St Helier. His brother Clarence died in 1918 while serving with the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers.

(Possibly) Known as 'Joe', he completed his training in Ireland and France before going to the front with the Jersey Company in December 1915. In March 1916, he trained in the building and repair of wire entanglements. His subsequent military service details are uncertain, although he did reach the rank of Sergeant. Possibly remained with the Royal Irish Rifles for the remainder of war, not transferring in January 1918 to the Hampshire Regiment with most remaining Jersey Company members.

In the years immediately following the war he lived in Aquila Road, St Helier.