Oliver was a Chaplain in the 4th Divisional Wing and former Principal of the Presbyterian Theological College in Saskatoon, set up a course of instruction for soldiers in the 3rd Infantry Division, then fighting on the Western Front.
Oliver worked as a chaplain in the 4th Divisional Wing and had previously served as principal at the Presbyterian Theological College in Saskatoon. He developed a training curriculum for soldiers in the 3rd Infantry Division, who were actively engaged in combat on the Western Front.