Son of Isabella and the late James White, of Galashiels. Born in Galashiels, Scotland on 12 February 1880. He enlisted into the South African Constabulary on 19 July 1901, with whom he continued to serve until December 1907. During the Great War he served with the 1st South African Infantry and was wounded in action on three occasions, 10 February 1917 (gun shot wound, hand), 9 April 1917 (gun shot wound, right arm) and 27 July 1918 (gun shot wound right buttock, severe).
LG Sup 13 November 1918 pg. 13401