 In World War II, he saw service as a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve officer.In 1940/41 he served on the Q-ship HMS "Cyprus" (X44) (formerly "Cape Sable") and later commanded the corvette HMS "Snowdrop".His younger brother, Humphrey, rowed in the double scull event at the 1928 Olympic games and won double gold at the 1930 British Empire Games.