[3][4] On 17 September 1915, during the First World War, he received a temporary King's Commission[5] as a lieutenant in the Indian Medical Service, serving with distinction.

[6][7] For unspecified reasons, he relinquished his commission with effect from 16 September 1916,[1] and upon return to India and following the Rowlatt Act he became active in the movement of non-cooperation and non-violent resistance to British rule.

Kitchlew arrived shortly before Satypal and after a few minutes of waiting, were called in and given The Defence of India Orders with the request for both to leave Amritsar immediately.

Hans Raj and Jai Ram Singh were kept waiting on Irving's veranda in case the news of the arrest spread before Kitchlew and Satypal were far away enough.

[9] As the news of the arrest spread, supporters began to gather near Irving's home and what initially appeared a peaceful attempt to make enquiries ended up in a violent clash.