In 1915, Archibald enlisted with the 7th Durham Light Infantry before transferring to the 218th Field Company, Royal Engineers, with whom he was serving during the second battle of the Sambre.

[1] At the age of 39, he was awarded the Victoria Cross for action while his unit was attempting to bridge the Sambre–Oise Canal.

[2] From his citation: On 4 November 1918 near Ors, France, Sapper Archibald was with a party building a floating bridge across the canal.

This was to be worn by veterans so as not to receive a white feather or be otherwise perceived as cowards by members of the public when in civilian dress.

[4] Archibald was initiated into Freemasonry in Lodge Elgin & Bruce, No.1077 (Limekilns, Fife, Scotland) in 1912.