He was sent back to New Zealand on furlough, arriving in June 1944. Initially passed as fit for a return to duty with the 2nd New Zealand Division, his status was later downgraded and he was considered unfit for active service. In September he was discharged from the 2NZEF. He was invested with the Soviet Medal for Valour by Brigadier E. Rowlings, the commander of the Southern Military District, in a ceremony at Burnham Military Camp on 14 December.
