Erle took command of the East Dorset militia as major, and fought as a volunteer at the Battle of Sedgemoor with his friend Thomas Chafin. Subsequently, he was presented to the King by Lord Churchill but received a cold reception from James II.
Erle led the East Dorset militia as a major and participated in the Battle of Sedgemoor alongside Thomas Chafin. He then met with the King through Lord Churchill but did not receive a favorable response from James II.