The son of Elias and Florence, of Dunnel Road, St Helier. Prior to, or during, the war his family lived in Great Union Road, St Helier.

Called 'Eddie', he was severely wounded in June 1916 by a German shell landing at his feet. On coming round he found that he had been severely wounded in arms and legs, and was losing blood heavily. Fortunately, being an former patrol leader of the 1st (St Simon's) Boy Scouts, he has the presence of mind to apply a tourniquet and stem the bleeding. Evacuated to the G1m Hospital, Leicester, where his left leg was amputated. Discharged from the Army as a result in April 1917.