 He served 14 months in the division, taking part in action in Brandfort and Potchefstroom among others, in a force led by Earl Roberts, and was eventually promoted to the rank of corporal.Latham began his career as a teenager at his hometown club Newtown in 1897 and spent several years at the club.During his time serving in South Africa, he played for a team named the Docks between the months of May and August, the winter league at the time in the country, finishing as runners-up in the league.