TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Biallosterski, Tobias Maurits "Tobs"

Date of birth:
April 18th, 1920 (Bloemendaal, The Netherlands)
Date of death:
February 26th, 1945 (Scheveningen, The Netherlands)
Mentioned on:
Dutch War Graves Den Haag
Nationality:
Dutch (1815-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Dienstplichtig Sergeant (Enlisted Sergeant)
Awarded on:
March 9th, 1943

Royal Decree No. 9, dated March 9th, 1943.
Bronzen Kruis (BK)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Second-Lieutenant
Unit:
N Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government
Awarded on:
December 20th, 1944
Citation:
"Many attempts have been made in the past to contact the clandestine press in Holland in order to extend its activities but, owing to arrests and the ? nature of operations in HOLLAND, they have all failed.
2/Lt. Biallosterski, prior to his coming tot his country in 1943, had already worked in the clandestine press organisation and volunteered to return to HOLLAND to recontact them and open up communications to enable much ? material and money to be sent to them.
He was dropped in HOLLAND on the night of the 31st March/1 April 1944 with his operator and took with him a special message from H.M. The Queen of the Netherlands to the clandestine press.

After a safe landing, misfortune befell them owing tot he theft of their VF equipment, but undaunted, Biallosterski continued with the mission and contacted the clandestine press, delivered the money and the Queen’s message. He also saw that his operation was safely housed and contacted members of resistance movements.
Having gained invaluable information, he returned tot his country on order to accelerate the delivery of the much needed W/T equipment. His hazardous return journey took him two months. He brought tot his country much needed and up to date information on the new Dutch identity card, negatives of intelligence information and clandestine ? missions, together with contact ? for future operations.
Holland is one of the most difficult countries in which to carry out clandestine activities, and it is an exceptional feat for and agent to proceed to HOLLAND, carry out his mission and return safely to this country.
2/Lt. Biallosterski successfully carried out the whole mission with extreme coolness and courage."

Honorary
Received for returning to England after his first mission as a BBO agent. The mission was called "Draughts 1".
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Tijdelijk Reserve Eerste Luitenant (Temporary First Leuitenant of Reserves)
Unit:
N Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government
Awarded on:
February 25th, 1946
Ridder vierde klasse der Militaire Willems Orde (MWO.4)
Recommendation:
For having distinguished himself greatly by performing outstanding deeds of courage, perseverance and loyalty in the execution of very important tasks assigned to him in the months of April and September 1944, having been dropped by parachute over Dutch occupied territory. Thereby having shown great perseverance and outstanding organisational skills throughout in bringing unity and cooperation to the active underground resistance and having inspired all those he met in connection with his mission to greater activity by his loyal example. Finally, in the political prison in Scheveningen having succumbed to wounds, sustained during an engagement with the enemy.

Royal Decree No. 33. Awarded posthumously.

Sources