From 1892 to 1894, he led the conquest of Dahomey, one of West Africa's most powerful pre-colonial states, against King Béhanzin.

His paternal grandfather was John Dodds, a British Army officer and aide-de-camp to the last English governor of Saint-Louis.

He was promoted to lieutenant in the Troupes de marine in 1867 and subsequently posted to the French colony of Réunion where he distinguished himself during the riots of 1868.

During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, his military prowess was noted at the Blue Division when he was made Knight of the Legion of Honour.

Dodds was named général de brigade, inspector of naval infantry, and Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour in 1892, then General of Division in 1898.