In 1915 he joined the ranks of the South African Medical Corps, and was wounded at the Battle of Delville Wood in July 1916).
He was appointed as a temporary Chaplain to the Forces (South African Overseas Brigade), in 1917, was again wounded, and was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in the 1918 New Year Honours.
[1] In 1919 he resumed duty in the diocese of Cape Town as an Assistant Priest of St. Mary's, Woodstock in charge of the chapelry of All Saints', Roodebloem; was made Priest-in-charge of All Saints’ Parochial District, Roodebloem in 1921; and was given a general licence to officiate in the diocese of Cape Town during 1923–1924.
The Diocesan College Magazine recorded that "[I]n his early years there when he was without assistance, he acted as builder, carpenter, doctor and dentist.
Returning once again to Cape Town in 1960, he was given a General Licence (effective from 12 August 1960), and moved to live at 8 Rubicon Road in Rondebosch.