Having joined the Coldstream Guards as an ensign by purchase on 10April 1810, he arrived in Spain in early 1812 as part of Sir Arthur Wellesley's army. He fought at the Battle of Salamanca in 1812 and was present at the Siege of Burgos from 19September to 21October the same year. He marched into France in 1813, where he took part in the Battle of Vitoria on 21June 1813 and the subsequent Siege of San Sebastián from July until September.