In 1914, he enlisted to the UK Army as a Gunner (Private) and got promoted to Bombardier (Corporal) in 1915. While fighting in the war, he earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal.
He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct medal on the 11th of November 1915, for staying up all day making telephone repairs under heavy enemy barrage fire during the Battle of the Somme, after 5 soldiers were either killed or wounded. It was due to this, that communications were kept in tact during an action.