He was born 8 April 1869 at Plymouth and was baptised 11 May 1869 at the Holy Trinity Parish Church of Plymouth. His parents were Alexander and Elizabeth.
He married Daisy Maud Beaney March 1900 in the registration district of Medway.
In 1911 he was living at 10 Arklow Road, New Cross with his wife Daisy. He was employed as a customs watcher and was born in Plymouth.
He enlisted 24 September 1914 and his occupation was given as a custom and excise officer. He had previously served as a corporal in the Royal Engineers and was discharged 15 August 1908 and had been granted a pension.
He was 5ft 8 ½ inches tall and weighed 182lbs. He had brown hair and green eyes and it was noted that he had a mole on top of right shoulder.
He was discharged 2 May 1915 due to being medically unfit due to having varicose veins. His character was said to be very good.
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