The flotilla operated in the Mediterranean, with "Stuart" participating in the Western Desert Campaign and the battles of Calabria and Cape Matapan, defeating the Italian submarine "Gondar", evacuating Allied troops from Greece and Crete, and serving with the Tobruk Ferry Service. The destroyer returned to Australia for repairs and refit in late 1941, and spent most of 1942 and 1943 in Australian waters. "Stuart" was modified into a stores and troop transport in early 1944, and operated in this role around Australia and New Guinea until early 1946. "Stuart" was placed in reserve in 1946, and was sold for ship breaking in early 1947.