[1] During the First World War he was recognised by the British Admiralty as an authority on submarines, and his knowledge of that class of ship was used extensively.

[2] Joining the Royal Navy on 15 July 1889 as a naval cadet, he was promoted to sub-lieutenant on 14 March 1895,[3] and lieutenant on 22 June 1897.

[4] He received specialised training in torpedoes, and was posted as a lieutenant (T) to the battleship HMS Victorious on 15 January 1901, as she served on the Mediterranean Station.

HMS Dartmouth was torpedoed on 15 May 1917 by the German submarine UC-25 after the engagement but he successfully brought his ship safely into port.

After his appointment with the Australian Fleet ceased, he commanded the Destroyer Flotilla of the Mediterranean Squadron.