Xhosa Wars
Elkington became a lieutenant with the 6th Regiment of Foot in 1849. He served with his Regiment during the 7th and 8th Xhosa Wars. He was appointed Assistant Quartermaster-General to the Ottoman Contingent during the Crimean War and then became Aide-de-Camp to Sir John Michel during the Indian Mutiny. He continued to serve as Aide-de-Camp to Michel during the Second Opium War. In 1880 he became Deputy Adjutant-General for the Auxiliary Forces at Army Headquarters.