 He was awarded a second DSO and mentioned in dispatches twice.As head staff officer of the 4th Indian Infantry Division (GSO1) he organised the division's highly successful action during Operation Compass in the Western Desert in 1940.The division then played a key role in defeating the Italian imperial forces in Eritrea during the East African Campaign during which time he was promoted to command Indian 10th Infantry brigade, part of Indian 5th Infantry Division which was fighting alongside 4th Indian Division.