He enlisted into the KSLI as a Bandsman in 1955. He saw active service with the 1st. Bn. in Kenya and remained with 1 KSLI when it was stationed in Munster. Following rapid promotion to Band Sgt. he was posted to the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall as a student Bandmaster.

CSM Beaumont, Band Master Codwallader,
Bugle Major Terry Kent

He was then successively Bandmaster of 2 LI. and the LI. Depot, a period which included postings to Berlin and Lemgo in Germany and operational tours of duty in Northern Ireland.

He retired from the army in 1977.