Clements became battalion adjutant again on 26 October 1882, holding the position until promoted to major on 24 February 1886. He served as a brigade major during the Burma Expedition and as Assistant Provost Marshal, being twice wounded in battle (once severely) and mentioned in dispatches on 22 June 1886. Clements rejoined his battalion in early 1886 and remained with them until 1889. Clements received the India General Service Medal with clasps and was brevetted lieutenant colonel in July 1887 for his actions. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order in 1891, he was made an Aide-de-camp to Queen Victoria on 2 December 1896. On 8 April 1897 Clements was promoted to command of the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers.