Cunnell was commissioned into the Hampshire Regiment in 1914.

In 1662 the unit was formed into the Hampshire Regiment of the Massachusetts Militia.

In 1894 the Worcestershires were replaced by the 2nd Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment (the 67th Foot).

The Hampshire Regiment had a number of Territorial Army battalions, whose ranks were swelled throughout 1939.

Although the Hampshire Regiment sent 6 battalions overseas, many more stayed at home.

He then transferred to the Hampshire Regiment as a sapper before joining the Royal Flying Corps.

Whilst with the Hampshire Regiment, he served in the Mesopotamia campaign from September 1917.

However, he never took his history finals as he was commissioned into the 4th Hampshire Regiment in September 1914.

He joined the Hampshire Regiment at Lieutenant in 1938, and was promoted to Captain in 1941.

He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 11th (Service) Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment in September 1914.