He served in World War I latterly as a brigade major in France.[2] He was awarded the Military Cross for correcting gunfire from the top of a haystack 200 yards from the enemy front line in December 1914,[4] and a bar to the MC, the citation for which reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an enemy retirement he went forward to high ground, which afforded good observation, to ascertain the situation, and remained exposed to shell fire all the morning, until wounded by a shell. His fearlessness and initiative enabled him to secure valuable information by means of personal reconnaissances during operations, and on one occasion he displayed the utmost gallantry in extinguishing a burning gun-pit under heavy and accurate shell fire.[5]
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Under cover of a heavy morning mist, the enemy came up unperceived close to the battery of which this officer was in command. He armed the Lewis gunners of the Battery with rifles, and by skilful dispositions held off the enemy until the guns had been blown up and the detachments withdrawn. On another occasion he helped to cover the removal of a heavy howitzer battery, delaying the advance of the enemy with the fire of his Lewis guns and rifles and inflicting heavy casualties. He fought all day on foot, until the line had been established. His behaviour throughout was marked by great coolness under difficult circumstances and unconcerned courage.
He served in World War II initially as Brigadier Royal Artillery at Northern Command and then, from March 1941 to October 1941, as Second in Command City and Garrison of Gibraltar.[2] In 1942 he became Commander of 3rd Anti-Aircraft Division and in 1943 he was made Commander of 5th and 6th Anti-Aircraft Groups.[2][8]
In January 1916 he married Madge Alexandra Bellairs and had one daughter, then in 1924 he married Aline Hope Primrose Cobbold and they went on to have one son and a daughter.[10]
Bibliography
Smart, Nick (2005). Biographical Dictionary of British Generals of the Second World War. Barnesley: Pen & Sword. ISBN1844150496.