Driven by a sense of duty and responsibility, Simon made sure that M&S contributed everything possible to the war effort during the Second World War. Employees took on new roles as Air Raid Precautions wardens, staffed soup kitchens and raised funds to buy a Spitfire and an ambulance. Despite having a country house away from the air raids on central London, Simon and his wife Miriam moved into the centre of the city to be closer to the business and his other public duties. They lived in the Dorchester Hotel from 1941.
Simon was a very active citizen; he took on many public appointments throughout his life; for example, during the Second World War he was part of the committee looking at the reorganisation of the egg and poultry industry and also advised the Petroleum Warfare Department, to help ease shortages. As a result of his hard work, he was awarded a knighthood in 1944, becoming Sir Marks.
