“ H .E.,” as he was known throughout the 3rd East Anglian Regiment (The Pompadours), received his Regular commission from the Militia in 1900. He served throughout the South African War and was wounded when he was with the 44th. He also served with the W.A.F.F. for a short period in 1901 and received the Queen’s Medal with six clasps.
In 1913 he was specially employed at the War Office and later he became an instructor at the Army Signal School During the First World War he saw service in Gallipoli, Egypt and in Mesopotamia, where he commanded the 8th Bn. The Cheshire Regiment for 18 months, being wounded three times, mentioned in despatches on four occasions and awarded the C.M.G. and D.S.O. He became a Brevet Lieut.-Colonel in 1917, Temporary Lieut.-Colonel in the same year and Lieut.-Colonel (substantive) on September 9, 1929, with over two years’ seniority, on which day he retired to serve on the Reserve until 1932.
From 1919 to 1928 he was with The Pompadours in Malta, Turkey and India. “ H.E.” was an Officer of unbounded physical and mental energy. He enjoyed all outdoor recreation—walking, games and riding, being an active member of the Ambala Hunt and the Cawnpore Tent Club. His favourite picture, which remained with him until his death in a nursing home, was of an incident in the Kadir Cup. He was a great reader and author of many interesting articles on military and travel subjects, of which he had first-hand knowledge and experience.
During the Second World War he was a keen member of the Home Guard, serving, as he said, “ the honourable appointment of unpaid Lance-Corporal — for long and faithful services rendered.”
“ H.E.” hated and despised inactivity and so it was that he bore most bravely the inactivity forced upon him by illness during his last years.