After "Nelson" was disabled by a magnetic mine in December 1939, he returned to HMS "Excellent". He participated in the Dunkirk evacuation and then joined the cruiser , on which he served in the Arctic convoys. He married Marguérite Isabelle White, the daughter of Sir Rudolph Dymoke White, 2nd Baronet, on 11 January 1941. They had six children: five sons and a daughter. He returned to HMS "Excellent" for a refresher course in July 1942, and was promoted to lieutenant commander on 1 October 1942. He joined the crew of the aircraft carrier in October 1943, and served with the East Indies Fleet and the British Pacific Fleet. He was promoted to commander on 30 June 1945. He was mentioned in despatches for his service in the Battle of Okinawa.