 1n 1916, he left to serve in World War I as a musketry trainer and also forming and training orchestras and other musical groups for the forces.After his discharge, he returned in 1919 as chorus coach and principal violinist in a new D'Oyly Carte touring company.In January 1920, he moved to the main company during the London season at the Prince's Theatre, where he served as assistant musical director to Geoffrey Toye for the remainder of that season.