He then served in the 14th Battalion, The Princess of Wales’ Own Rifles until 1899 when he resigned his commission in order to take part in the South African War.

On March 31, 1902, he fought at the Battle of Hart's River where he was leading some 21 men of 3rd and 4th Troops 'E' Squadron to screen the main body of Cookson's Column as they prepared a defensive position.

[2][3] As a result of his service he was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal with five clasps: Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Cape Colony, SA 1902.

[4] Based on his experiences in South Africa and his recognition of the importance of communications he lobbied for the establishment of a signal corps upon his return to Canada.

Observing the employment of heliographs, semaphore flags and lamps, he realized there was a need for a unit to provide proper training in the use of these systems.