Bruce enlisted on 13th November 1908. He was 18 years and 6 months old, and was a Clerk by trade. He served abroad from 31st January 1912 until 18th September 1914, when he was returned to the UK and posted to the Western Front, entering the war in France on 5th October 1914, as part of the Regimental Medical Officer's team for the 7th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. On 17th July 1915 he suffered a shell wound to his head and right arm and was evacuated back to the UK. On 28th August 1915 he was posted to serve with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, remaining with them until 27th February 1916. During this time he was appointed acting Corporal on 7th January 1916. From 28th February 1916 to 3rd April 1916 he was in the UK, then he returned to the British Expeditionary Force on 4th April 1916. On 22nd April 1917 he returned to England and served the remainder of the war in the UK. On 14th February 1919 he gained promotion to the rank of Corporal. He was transferred to Army Reserve on 30th July 1919. He was the son of William and Caroline Hayward.