In addition to the Delhi clasp of the Indian Mutiny Medal, Hills-Johnes also received the Lucknow clasp awarded to troops under command of Sir Colin Campbell who were engaged in final operations leading to the surrender of Lucknow and the clearing of the surrounding areas from November 1857 to March 1858. He fought in the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–80), and was made military governor of Kabul. Appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1881 and advanced to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in 1893, he later achieved the rank of lieutenant general in the service of the Royal Artillery.