When the Germans attacked Norway on 9 April 1940, Rist was still in service on "Heimdal". He took part in the fighting in northern Norway. Left Tromsø the 6th of June, escape to England via Shetland - Scotland, Rosyth Naval Station, Edinburgh before he came over to the UK. During World War II served Rist in the Navy, where he sailed in convoy and served on Corvette and Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB).