He was assigned to the 6th Chasseurs Battalion à Pied (), on 17 October 1840. He took part in the battle of col de Mouzaïa in 1840 (). In the following year, he participated in actions at de Nador, de Moursia and confronted the Flittas. Designated as chef de bataillon (commandant – major) on 22 May 1842, he joined the 13th Light Infantry Regiment (). On 16 October he transferred to the 5th Chasseurs Battalion à Pied (), where he gained the Officer Order of the Legion d'honneur while demonstrating combat capability at Gontas, Baal, Tadjena, Battle of Sidi Brahim (), then near Oued Lemig, during the combat Isly and at Riou.