After training at HMS King Alfred (RNVR training establishment at Hove in Sussex), he joined the Rendering Mines Safe section on 14 December 1940 attached to HMS President for his initial introduction to his future duties.

He received a King's Commendation for Brave Conduct in June 1941 and was awarded the George Medal in April 1942.

He recovered, defused and investigated the first example of a German moored magnetic mine and was awarded the George Cross in November 1942 for "great gallantry and devotion to duty".

He was cremated at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Lane Cove on 12 August and his ashes interred in the Ex-Service Personnel Wall.

The story of his wartime service was told in Softly Tread The Brave – A triumph over terror, devilry, and death by mine disposal officers John Stuart Mould, GC, GM and Hugh Randal Syme, GC, GM and Bar, and Seventeen Seconds – The gripping true story of the men who dismantled live Nazi bombs in England during World War II, both by Ivan Southall.