Pre war service from 1933 included with the Royal Artillery; 18th London Regiment TA 29 April 1937; London Irish Rifles, and from 1939 Royal Welch Fusiliers. Volunteered for No.2 Commando 1941. In September 1941 he was part of a detachment of 25 Other Ranks from No.2 Commando who embarked on H.M.T. Ulster Monarch, and proceeded to Gibraltar from where they made several onward and return journeys between Gibraltar and Freetown, via Ghana and Lagos. Their role on board was primarily manning A.A. guns, the 14 pounder on the stern, 3 Bren guns on the top deck, and general ship maintenance and look out duties. They rejoined No.2 Commando in April 1942.