[4][5] Du Cane served in the Second Boer War, and was appointed a staff officer for lines of communication in South Africa in September 1900.

[6] Following the end of hostilities in early June 1902, he left Cape Town on board the SS Assaye,[7] and arrived at Southampton the next month.

He was mentioned in despatches and received a brevet promotion to lieutenant colonel in the South Africa honours list published on 26 June 1902.

[13] Having been made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in June 1910,[14] Du Cane was promoted in February 1911 to the temporary rank of brigadier general and succeeded Sir Godfrey Thomas, 9th Baronet as commander, Royal Artillery (CRA) for the 3rd Division.

[21] After the war, Du Cane, promoted to the permanent rank of lieutenant-general in January 1919,[22] made his home in London at 4 Upper Brook Street, Mayfair.