Denton was promoted temporary lieutenant colonel in September 1916, and held temporary command of the 11th Battalion for a few weeks. He also held temporary command of the 10th Battalion at Ypres for a few days. Denton was granted three months' leave in October 1916, due to his wife's terminal illness. On his return, he briefly commanded the 70th Battalion and then in March 1917 was given command of the 49th Battalion. Denton led the unit at the First and Second Battles of Villers-Bretonneux. He was confirmed as a lieutenant colonel in September 1917, but in May 1918 was wounded again and had to be evacuated to England. Denton was then given command of the 3rd Training Brigade from June 1918 to January 1919. He was discharged from the AIF in August 1919.