Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commodore (Second Class)

Unit:

No. 3 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, Combined Operations Headquarters, War Office, British Government

Awarded on:

October 2nd, 1942

Awarded for:

Operation Jubilee

Recommendation:
“During the approach to the coast of France the L.C.P. in which this signaler was travelling was separated from the rest of the flotilla and attacked by German M.G.B., which inflickted 50% casualties on the section in the boat and forced them to abandon it. Bechervasie swam away with his No. 18 set. As the M.G.B. still machine-gunned the soldiers in the water, he climbed back into the derelict L.C.P. assisting L/Cpl. Cunningham. He managed to get into W/T communication with the landing party at Y1. Later he was again forced to take to the water by small arms fire, and shelling from the cliffs. He floated on his back with his wireless set on his chest, until picked up by H.M.S. Brocklesby.”