He graduated in 1888 as an ensign, and took part in the Greco-Turkish War of 1897 as captain of a torpedo boat, with the rank of sub-lieutenant.

With the outbreak of the Balkan Wars, he was recalled to service, and was assigned as captain of the destroyer Panthir, from its delivery in Britain to the signing of the peace treaties, whereupon he returned to reserve status.

He accepted on the condition that he could resign following a possible victory of the Liberal Party in the forthcoming legislative elections.

Indeed, the Venizelists won the elections, opening the prospect of his retirement from the mayor's office and politics in general.

Four years later, on 16 June 1936, his wife, Maria Lykoudis, also died as a result of an illness caused by her grief.