Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron, 4th Parachute Brigade, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

July 26th, 1945

Recommendation:
"Lieut. Pearson was taken prisoner at TARANTO on 9 Sep 43. During the transit north in an electric train, the occupants of his truck broke it open with a piece of iron concealed from the guards. Only six men had jumped when the escape was detected. Although the wagon was surrounded by wire and guards rode on the steps, the remainder of the P/W unscrewed the ventilator at the bottom end of the wagon, just above the buffers. With two other paratroopers, Lieut Pearson jumped as the train was slowing down to enter Roviga station, but the three were caught by fascists soon afterwards and sent to a former Infantry barracks at Padua. Again they were entrained and before the journey commenced had made with knives a small hole in the side of the truck. Fifteen men jumped out north of Vicenza under fire from guards in the next truck. With two O.R's Lieut Pearson proceeded to Porto Chioggia, and when evacuation by sea provided impossible, returned to the mountains. Later attempts were made to cross the lines at Castel di Sangro and Alfedena, but each was defeated by enemy defences. Returning to the Ascoli area, they waited for the Allied Advance and reported on 19 Jun 44.

During Jan 44, with another officer, Lieut Pearson distributed to P/W assistance dropped by parachute and provided through the Rome Organisation. Although he tried to form a contingent of P/W to help a local band of patriots, the offer was not welcomed, and the rebels were dispersed before the idea matured.

On 22 Jun 44 he reported to British troops who had reached Ascoli Piceno, having helped to keep order at a nearby village. Another P/W has remarked on the fine example displayed by Lieut. Pearson in planning and escapes and encouraging others to try also. Due to his leadership many P/W escaped."

Awarded posthumously.
WO 373/64/643
LG 37194/3858