Arthur enlisted on 9th July 1902. He was 21 years and 2 months old at the time. From 23rd November 1905 to 18th December 1908 he served in Bermuda. He then served in the UK until he entered the war in France on 17th August 1914, as part of the Regimental Medical Officer's team for the 26th Brigade. Royal Field Artillery. During that time he was appointed Lance Corporal on 1st January 1910 and gained promotion to the rank of Corporal on 1st July 1911. On 2nd October 1914 he suffered a gunshot wound to his left arm and was evacuated back to the UK. He served the remainder of the war in the UK, and was discharged from the Colours on 26th September 1920.