Volunteering for military service in August 1914, he spent the winter on the Yser Front, where he apparently enjoyed the camaraderie at the front, despite the hardships. But he had been drawn to Africa, even before the war, so he applied when Belgium wanted officers for overseas service in Belgian colonies.
In August 1914, he volunteered for military service and spent the winter on the Yser Front, where he apparently enjoyed the camaraderie despite the difficulties. His interest in Africa was already present before the war; therefore, when Belgium needed officers for overseas service in its colonies, he applied.