He attended Quetta Cadet College in India and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on the Unattached List for the Indian Army on 15 November 1915.
He was posted to the 130th King George's Own Baluchis on 9 March 1919, and promoted Captain 15 November 1919.
He saw action during the Mohmand operations of 1933 and was Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the DSO.
He was promoted Lieut-Colonel and commanding officer of the 10th battalion, 10th Baluch regiment 17 July 1938, a position he held until January 1941.
He was Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services as a Prisoner of War in January 1946.