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 assumed leadership of the East Dorset militia as a major, and participated as a volunteer in the Battle of Sedgemoor alongside his friend Thomas Chafin. He was subsequently introduced to the King by Lord Churchill but received an unfriendly welcome from James II.