Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

T Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

T Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

July 7th, 1944

Citation:
"Count Philipe de Liedekerke, while serving with the Belgian forces, was taken prisoner by the Germans during the Battle of France, but succeeded in escaping and after travelling for over a year reached England.

In 1943 he was sent on a mission to Belgium where he succeded in rallying Conservative circles, made a study of resistance organisations and persuaded one of the heads of the "Legion Belge" to accompany him back to England.

In July 1943 he undertook a further mission to Belgium. He was dropped by parachute with instructions to make contact with the "Front de l'Independence et Libération" and pursued his task with such resolute efficiency and tact that he was brought under control the activities of this very large organisation and ensured the co-ordination of their work with the offensive plans of the Allies.

Returned in October 1943, bringing with him most valuable and extensive information on Belgian resistance to the enemy of the utmost value for future operations in that country."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

T Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

May 18th, 1945

Citation:
"This officer was parachuted into BELGIUM on 8th February, 1944, to organise the counter-scorching of ports, and to co-ordinate the sabotage activities of the resistance movements in the ANTWERP area. He was to put plans for D-Day into operation and instruct the underground movements in accordance with the directives laid down by the Chiefs of Staff.

De LIEDEKERKE had already performed two successful missions in 1942 and 1943 respectively for which he had been awarded the Military Cross, and was an agent sought after by German counter-espionage. In spite of all the dangers and risks, he succeeded in establishing close liaison with the various resistance moevements ans also in keeping them informed of various urgent plans. He carried out the whole of his mission with the greatest skill, initiative and tact.

The story of the rapid liberation of the Port of ANTWERP and of the counter-sabotage action undertaken by resistance to frustrate the German plans for the destruction of the port installations, is well known. The Mission of de LIEDEKERKE, who was one of the most outstanding personalitied in Belgian clandestine activitied contributed directly to the successful execution of these operations.

It is recommended that Major Compte Philippe de LIEDEKERKE be appointed an Officer in the Order of the British Empire (Mil)(Hon).

Signed
18.5.45
Colin Gubbins
Major-General