He joined the Army in 1790 as a cornet in the 11th Dragoons, rising to the rank of Major in 1798. He served in Flanders from 1793 to 1795, taking part in every battle during that period (Valencienne, Dunkirk and le Cateau). After fighting with distinction at Den Helder in Holland in 1799 he was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel in 1803. From 1811 to 1813 he was engaged in the Peninsular War where he received a sabre wound at the Battle of El Bodón but nevertheless took part in the later Battles of Castrejon, Salamanca, Venta del Pozo and Morales.