Dosser was a conscientious objector between the Civil War and Boer Wars. The long abstinance from Service was due to his refusal to wear the red jacket (or dung jacket as Dosser called it) prevalent in the army of the 18th and 19th centuries. He did try to join the green jackets of The Rifle Volunteers, but he was soon put off by the whippings, handcuffs and general dungeon S&M that happened there.