Worked as an Apprentice Shipwright. Lived 1 Laird Street, Port Glasgow.

Attested 9th September 1912, In hospital October 1914. Detached from Anson Battalion to serve with Mediterranean Expeditionary Force for a while. Discharged to RN Depot from Mudros for Sea Service 29th March 1916.

Discharge papers note that he was a Protestant and could swim. His complexion is described as ruddy, with brown hair and grey eyes. He was 5 foot, 8 inches tall.