In 1915 Fane was commanding officer of the Bannu Brigade on the North West Frontier and in recognition for his actions during the attack on Miranshah in March he was made a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire. Fane was promoted to Major General on 3 September 1916, and served in the campaigns in Palestine and Mesopotamia. His service in these campaigns earned him promotion to Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire, and two awards from foreign governments; the Croix de Guerre and the Order of the Nile (2nd class). He was also Mentioned in Despatches twice more, on 15 August 1917, and on 27 August 1918.