Born at Pavenham in Bedfordshire, he enlisted on 14th May 1901 aged 18, a labourer, as 6150 Leicestershire Regiment, and he was already serving in the Militia. At his examination he was 5'3" tall, chest 34 (1½" expansion), weight 138lbs, with brown hair (partially bald), fresh complexion and brown eyes.

He served at home until 23rd Dec 1901 when he was sent to Egypt. He returned home on 14th December 1902. On 28th January 1904 he was sent to India and returned home on 23rd February 1909. He was on reserve at home until 16th January 1915. During that time he had married Harriet A Attley in February 1912, and they were living at 2 Pemberton Street. His brother George lived at Wellingborough.

On 18th January 1915 he was sent out to France where he joined the 3rd Bn Leic Rgt. He was killed in action on 10th March 1915, having served for 13 years and 301 days.