Appointed paymaster to Ernst von Mansfeld in the early stages of the Thirty Years War, he subsequently transferred into English service, where his expertise was highly valued.

By 1622 he was paymaster to Count Ernst von Mansfeld and visited England on his behalf in 1622 to arrange financing for his army, then serving Frederick V of the Palatinate, son-in-law of James I.

This led to fears that the force would be used to suppress dissent in England; and in June 1628 questions regarding Dalbier's character, religious inclinations and military expertise were raised in the House of Commons.

He was defended by Sir Thomas Jermyn, who pointed out that on his journey through Germany, it was his quick thinking and persuasive manner that had saved his companions from a detachment of Imperial troops because if he had chosen to, he would have been well-rewarded for betraying them.

As colonel in command of a regiment of dozen or more troops of horse, he had an active war fighting for the Earl in many engagements including the battle of Cheriton where he received a wound.

[3] Dalbier was killed in the first attack, one of 12 Royalist casualties; according to Edmund Ludlow's largely elaborated memoirs, they "hewed him in pieces" because they resented his treachery, though according to John Rushworth he died of his wounds on the following day.