Webber started the war as a Captain with the 26th Field Company RE, attached to the British 1st Division. The Field Companies were heavily involved in demolitions in the retreat from Mons and in the building and repair of bridges and the construction of trenches at the Aisne. At 1st Ypres the 26th were thrown into the line as infantry by General Bulfin at the cost of many casualties. Webber received a ‘Mention in Despatches’.