He served in the 1857-1858 Indian Mutiny (or Rebellion of 1857) and then in the Second Anglo-Afghan War, winning medals for his brave achievements. From 1880 to 1885 he remained Deputy Quartermaster-General of the Intelligence Branch of British India. In 1897 he commanded the famous Tirah expedition against the Afridi tribe of Pashtuns. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the British Army in India and died of malaria in Calcutta while still serving in this position. 