The CMB units operated from England and from a base near Dunkirk in northern France, patrolling the coastlines and the Dover Straits. He was stationed at Dunkirk and took part in the First Ostend Raid in April 1918, the CMB units laying smoke for the less successful element of the Zeebrugge Raid which attacked Ostend. He played some cricket whilst with the Navy, including a match in June 1918 for an England XI against the Dominions. He left the Navy in February 1918.