Ernest enlisted on 4th October 1912. He was 23 years and 6 months old, and was an indoor servant by trade. In 1913 to the outbreak of war in 1914 he was serving as a sick attendant in the Connought Military Hospital, Aldershot. He entered the war in France on 17th August 1914, as part of the Regimental Medical Officer's team for the 1st Howitzer Brigade. Royal Field Artillery. On 26th September 1914 he suffered a slight gunshot wound to his right arm and was sent to No 8 General Hospital on the 30th. On 23rd October 1914 he was transferred to a Convalescent Camp, remaining there until 28th October 1914, when he was posted for temporary duty at No 10 General Hospital. On 6th December 1914, however, he was admitted into the hospital and was transferred back to the UK 2 days later, on 8th December 1914. He continued to serve in the UK until he was transferred to Class 'P' Army Reserve on 8th October 1918. He was discharged from the Colours on 2nd April 1919 as "surplus to Miliary requirements (having suffered impairment since entry into the service)" due to his wound and Malaria.