[4][5] While studying mechanical engineering at the University of Melbourne, he gained a "blue" in football.

[6] He played 54 games and scored 33 goals over four seasons (1910 to 1913) with Melbourne University Football Club in the VFL.

He served in the Australian Navy in World War I,[8] and later moved to England.

[9] He was killed in the sinking of HMS Glowworm (H92) in the Norwegian Sea on 8 April 1940.

[9] Although initially "presumed killed in action", a note on his service record (dated 1 May 1940) reports: "Not included in published list of "Glowworm" casualties Admiralty having unconfirmed report that he may be prisoner of war."