Rawlley graduated from the Indian Military Academy and 1941 was commissioned into the 9th Battalion the 12th Frontier Force Regiment on 15 May. In 1943, the battalion moved to Burma and saw action in the Burma Campaign. He was awarded the Military Cross during the Battle of Kohima. He commanded his battalion during the Battle of Imphal. He then attended the Staff College, Quetta in 1945. After the year-long staff course, he was posted to the 25th Infantry Division. As part of Operation Zipper, the division was chosen for the invasion of British Malaya in an amphibious role. Although hostilities ceased, the operation proceeded as planned and 25th Division was the first formation to land in Malaya, occupying the capital, Kuala Lumpur, and then accepting the surrender of the Japanese Army. Rawlley was mentioned in dispatches for distinguished service in British Malaya.