He joined Operation Terminal, the storming of Algiers harbour in November 1942. The destroyers HMS "Broke" and HMS "Malcolm" were tasked with securing the port facilities and power station at Algiers. "Malcolm" came under fire and was forced to withdraw with engine damage, but "Broke" rammed through a boom protecting the harbour and disembarked its shore party. "Broke" then also came under heavy fire from Vichy French forces and was forced to withdraw. "Broke" sank the next day while heading for Gibraltar. Her crew, including Gardner, were rescued by the destroyer HMS "Zetland" and returned to Algiers, now captured by the Allies, before returning to England on a Dutch liner. The convoy was attacked by a submarine: the escort carrier immediately ahead, , was torpedoed and sank. Gardner had been injured in Algiers, and was rendered deaf in one ear. He was later mentioned in dispatches for his actions.