Radcliffe was commissioned as an ensign in the 20th Regiment of Foot on 12 March 1841. After serving in Bermuda and Canada, he fought at the Battle of Alma in September 1854, the Battle of Balaclava in October 1854 and the Battle of Inkerman in November 1854 as well as the Siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War. He went on to be Inspector-General of Musketry of Hythe in January 1873 and General Officer Commanding Eastern District in October 1878. He was promoted full general on 1 April 1887.