He was 26 years old, and a lance-corporal in the 1st Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders, British Army during the Second Boer War when the following deed took place at Crow's Nest Hill, Johannesburg, for which he was awarded the VC.

[1]His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen, Scotland along with his other medals.

Following the end of the Second Boer War in June 1902, he left Durban for England on the SS Nubia in August 1902.

[3] One year later, he was promoted to acting lieutenant while serving with the West African Frontier Force (WAFF).

In November 1914 he became adjutant of the Indian Volunteers, but later moved to the 21st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (2nd Tyneside Scottish).