In 1912 he became a Fahnenjunker (cadet officer) with Infantry Regiment 68 (Koblenz), passing his officer exam in 1913 and being promoted to Leutnant. During World War I he fought with Infantry Regiment 363 on the Western Front, earning the Iron Cross First and Second Class and the Wound Badge. Promoted to Oberleutnant in June 1916, he was wounded and captured by the French in April 1917. This experience, according to Meyer, was especially traumatic and left him with a hatred against France. Released from captivity in March 1920, the downsized Reichswehr had no use for him and he left the army in October with the rank of Hauptmann (Captain).
