In 1941, during World War II, Essame became Commanding officer (CO) of the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. Relinquishing command of the battalion, he was promoted to brigadier in September 1942 and became commander of the 214th Infantry Brigade, leading the brigade in fighting in northern Europe. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in October 1944. In June 1945, a month after the end of World War II in Europe, he briefly served as General officer commanding (GOC) of the 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division in place of the original GOC, Major General Ivor Thomas. Essame became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in October 1945.