Following the outbreak of World War II, he saw action in the Mediterranean theatre as executive officer of the Royal Navy cruiser , and survived her sinking by a German U-boat in March 1942. Returning to Australia, he served as Director of Plans and later Deputy Chief of Naval Staff before taking command of the light cruiser  in November 1944. His achievements in the South West Pacific earned him the Distinguished Service Order.
Following the start of World War II, he was engaged in military activities in the Mediterranean theatre as executive officer of the Royal Navy cruiser , and narrowly escaped being sunk by a German U-boat in March 1942. Returning to Australia, he held key positions including Director of Plans and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff before taking command of the light cruiser  in November 1944. His successes in the South West Pacific region were recognized with the award of the Distinguished Service Order.