Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Adjudant (Ensign)

Unit:

Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Citation:
"Adjudant Mathot was parachuted into Belgium on 10th Apr 1944 as Saboteur Specialst to a Military Sabotage Group attached to the Secret Army.

He instructed various groups in differnt parts of the country. In mid June he installed himself in CHIMAY and formed a small but enthusiastic group, the results of whose activities were proof of his able instructions and untiring energy.
Most of the sabotage and attacks were carried out with improvised materials and weapons, since no supplies were received from the U.K.
The weapons were mainly very old French carabines and 4 old machine guns.

Among some of their successes may be quoted the following during the period 18th June 1944 to 1st September 1944:-
12 Locomotives destroyed or damaged.
Destruction of charcoal plant and saw-mill.
Descruction of three enemy armoured cars.
20 enemy killed.
Destruction of troop carrier full of troops.
Destruction of tank.
Machne-gunning of two lorries full of enemy troops, resulting probably in 12 enemy killed and one wounded.
Attack on enemy patrol, killing 2 and wounding two of the enemy.
Attack on enemy convoy, three lorries destroyed, 11 enemy killed.
Attack on enemy machine gun post protecting bridge at BRAUX.
2 enemy lorries and road tank wagon stolen.
Raid on german garage and removal of petrol, tyres and tools.

On 3rd September, the group captured 3 officers and 49 men. It was only the lack of explosives which prevented this group from obtaining even better results.

It is recommended that Adjudant Mathot who troughout dispplayed conspicuous gallantry be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal."

Signed
Colin Gubbins
Major-General
27.4.45