Following the outbreak of the First World War, Crake enlisted into the 11th Reserve Regiment of Cavalry in September 1914. After leaving the cavalry in June 1915, Crake then entered service with the Hampshire Regiment (later the Royal Hampshire Regiment) and served on the Western Front from July 1915 to June 1917.
After World War I began, Crake enlisted in the 11th Reserve Cavalry Regiment in September 1914. He left the cavalry in June 1915 and joined the Hampshire Regiment (later the Royal Hampshire Regiment), serving on the Western Front from July 1915 to June 1917.