Penniless and seeking adventure on 18 October 1859 he enlisted in the 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot in the British Army.
His record was dubious, and he was repeatedly disciplined for various military infractions including disobedience and drunkenness.
This discipline included a prison sentence in Wellington, and receiving lashes in front of his company.
He spent his remaining years working in several trades including as a builder, fisherman, horticulturist, tattooist, traditional healer using Māori medicine and even a confectioner.
Entitled The adventures of Kimble Bent: a story of wild life in the New Zealand bush, it was something of sensation at the time.