War service: Western Front

Embarked Wellington, 25 July 1916; disembarked Devonport, England, 3 October 1916, and marched into Sling Camp, and reverted to Lance Corporal.

Proceeded overseas to France, 20 October 1916; joined 2nd Bn, Otago Infantry Regiment, in the field, 9 November 1916, and posted to 10th Company, and relinquished appointment of Lance Corporal on joining the Bn.

Found guilty, 30 January 1917, of using improper language to his superior officer: awarded 28 days' Field Punishment No 2.

Detached to Brigade Carrying Party, 12 June 1917; rejoined Bn, 19 June 1917.

Tried by Field General Court Martial, 1 September 1917, on charge of 'On 17.8.17 whilst on Active Service whilst under close arrest in the Guard room, joined in a Mutiny by combining with others to resist his superior officer in the exercise of his duty by refusing to fall in under the guard with fixed bayonets to march to a new area when ordered to do so by Sergt. Shakesby': awarded 10 years' penal servitude.

Tried by Field General Court Martial, 2 September 1917, on charge of 'When on Active Service deserting His Majesty's Service in that he in the field on 5.7.17 absented himself from his unit without leave from 1 pm, 5.7.17 till he reported back at Reinforcements Camp De Seule at 7 pm on 18.7.17: sentenced to 5 years' Penal Servitude.

Both sentences suspended, 27 September 1917.

Reported missing, 12 October 1917.

Court of Enquiry, 19 November 1917, concluded: 'Missing, believed killed, 12 October 1917.'