Augustus had previously served in the Militia, then enlisted into the Medical Staff Corps on 10th February 1896. He was 22 years and 8 months old, and a Labourer by trade. He first saw active service in South Africa from 1899 to 1902 as a 2 Class Orderly, then was mobilised on 4th August 1914 and joined the 1st Field Ambulance in Aldershot on the 6th. He was discharged on termination of period of engagement (age limit) on 9th June 1915, then was discharged from the colours one year later.