Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1945

Citation:
"This officer was parachuted into France on 1st October 1942 to organise resistance in the Paris area. In six months he built up one of the most powerful circuits in France in an area little suited to clandestine work. By his remarkable personality and diplomacy he established excellent relations with the various groups in and around Paris, and organised them on a secure and efficient basis. The ramnifications of his organisation extended as far as Le Mans, Orleans and Beauvais, and suborganisers were appointed to take charge of the outlying groups.

Major Suttill organised the reception of arms and explosives on a large scale, and achieved excellent results with the sores he received. His most notable achievements were the sabotage of the Chaingy power station in March 1943 by which the power lines from Eguzon, Chivilly, Epines Fortes were immobilised; the destruction of 1,000 litres of petrol, and successful attacks on enemy goods trains on the Orleans-Paris line. During April 1943 his groups carried out 63 sabotage operations against the enemy, derailling three troops trains, killng 43 Germans and wounding 110.
Wherever possible, Suttill personally led these operations against the enemy and inspired his men by his remarkable personal courage. The activities of his groups became so widespread that for several months the Gestapo concentrated all their efforts on breaking up the circuit. They finally arrested Suttill at the end of June 1943.

During 9 months of clandestine work, this officer made a very great contribution to the organisation of resistance in northern France. The achievements he attained were quite unparallelled at that period. A magnificent leader, he was an inspiration and an example to all who worked with him, both British and French. He showed outstanding bravery and self-sacrifice, and never failed to carry out personally the most dangerous tasks. It is strongly recommended that he be appointed a Companion in the Distinguished Service Order."

Signed by General-Major Colin Gubbins

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)