In Manchester Louis earned a living (of sorts) as a tailor, which was the trade he had in Poland. When the First World War came around, he joined the British Army. His commanding officer was most interested when he discovered Louis was a tailor. He wanted to put Louis' skills to good use rather than see him sent off to the battlefields of Europe with the rest of the troops. So he sent him to Ireland to sit out the war -- and make clothes for the CO's wife and family.
On demob, Louis continued to make a living on his sewing machine and did so until he was in his 90s.