He commanded an infantry brigade in the 2nd New Zealand Division during the campaign in Greece and Operation Crusader. In 1942, he was recommended for divisional command by his superior officer, Major General Bernard Freyberg, and was given the 3rd Division, which he led through the Solomon Islands campaign. When the division was disbanded in late 1944, he was left without a command and was eventually discharged from the 2NZEF.
He headed an infantry brigade in the 2nd New Zealand Division during the Greek battle and Operation Crusader. In 1942, he was proposed for divisional leadership by his superior officer, Major General Bernard Freyberg, and took charge of the 3rd Division, which he led through the Solomon Islands campaign. When the division was dissolved in late 1944, he lost a command and was eventually discharged from the 2NZEF.