 He became a headline act on the variety circuit before the outbreak of World War II.He joined the army in 1941, and was recruited into the Stars in Battledress campaign, touring allied camps in Europe and North Africa.Whilst in Europe and North Africa Gonella served as the personal servant or "batman" to Major Alexander Karet and once the war had ended was offered the position as personal Butler to the Major, but he politely refused to pursue his music career.