 However, he was recalled from retirement to serve in World War I in 1914 and held command on the Western Front, taking part in the Battle of Loos in 1915, the Attack on the Gommecourt Salient on the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and was Commander R.E.of the 46th Division.He was mentioned in despatches four times and awarded the C.M.G.