with the outbreak of the second world war ensor was attached to the adjutant general's staff, as part of the british expeditionary force. as the force withdrew, ensor was placed in charge of evacuating wounded soldiers and civilians through the port of boulogne. on his return to london he was granted sick leave from the army. in september 1940 he was court martialled on twenty-nine charges: he was acquitted of scandalous conduct unbecoming the character of an officer and a gentleman, of absenting himself without leave, and of leaving his pistol and ammunition unguarded; but was found guilty of thirteen charges involving the use of dishonoured cheques leading to "the prejudice of good order and military discipline". during the trial it emerged that while officially on sick leave ensor had been entertaining a number of women and leading an extravagant lifestyle which he did not have the funds to support. he resigned as clerk of the peace, and the incident effectively ended his legal career in england.