Fernandez, Leslie Percival
- Date of birth:
- 1918 (Bristol, Great Britain)
- Date of death:
- 2009
- Service number:
- 2584928
- Nationality:
- British (1801-present, Kingdom)
Biography
Leslie Fernandez was educated at Plymouth College and read Modern Languages at Exeter University. Shortly after the outbreak of the Second World War Fernandez enlisted in the Royal Signals. He transferred, given his physical prowess, to the Army Physical Training Corps.
Fernandez served at the Commando Training Centre in Iceland, and in 1941, was assigned to train agents in the newly formed Special Operations Executive (SOE). As a Staff Sergeant Instructor he was part of the permanent staff assigned to No. 17 Special Training School. Fernandez's main role was 'to provide the physical training element - on a one to one basis - in a pr.
In 1958 Fernandez was employed as military advisor for the film 'Carve Her Name With Pride', in which Virginia McKenna portrayed Violette Szabó.
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Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Unit:
- lately H.M. Consul, Algeciras
- Awarded on:
- January 1st, 1972
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Warrent Officer 2nd Class
- Unit:
- Army Physical Training Corps
- Awarded on:
- June 21st, 1945
"C.S.M. Fernandez was dropped by parachute into S.E. France behind enemy lines in July 1944 and was sent to Col De Larche on Franco-Italian frontier with instructions to prevent the movement of German materials over the pass. It became clear in the middle of July that German attacks along the frontier were directed against this road, and the Italian partisans were forced to retreat leaving the greater part of their material behind. By the end of August the very weak detachment of the French Forces of the Interior in the area were faced with a considerable German force, and the local commander ordered a withdrawal. C.S.M. Fernandez, however, remaining behind almost alone, carried out a series of well-planned demolitions, frequently under enemy fire, and always under the immediate threat of being surrounded by German patrols. His action made it impossible for the Germans to cross the frontier except on foot, and did much to raise the morale of the French Forces of the Interior. From 20th August to 10th September the success of these actions prevented the Germans from advancing against the exposed right flank of the American Army, who, owing to the rapidity of their progress, were unable to leave garrisons in such important towns as Digne and Sisteron. For his coolness under enemy fire, and his great courage and devotion to duty in most adverse circumstances, it is recommended that this Warrant Officer be awarded the Military Medal."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Croix de Guerre (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Sources
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