Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1945

Recommendation:
"This officer was parachuted into France on 1st June 1942 as assistant organiser and arms instructor to a circuit in the Lyon area. He was dropped several miles away from the reception ground and landed on the roof of a gendarmerie.
A cordon was thrown round the house, and he was arrested and imprisoned in Lyon. He was subsequently interrogated by the Gestapo, and conducted himself with outstanding bravery and remarkable presence of mind.

SHEPPARD escaped from gaol in February 1943 and succeeded in fighting his way to the Spanish frontier. A large force of Gestapo was, however, on his track, and he was re-arrested near the border and later taken to Fresnes prison where he suffered severe hardships which he bore with great fortitude and endurance. He was later deported to Germany, where he spent more than a year in various camps, including Dachau, when he was repatriated in early May 1945.

Although this oficer was unable to carry out the mission for which he was intended in France, he displayed remarkable perseverance, personal bravery and resourcefulness in captivity.

It is strongly recommended that he be Mentioned in Despatches."

Signed by Major-General Colin Gubbins
3rd August, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

January 16th, 1946

With Bronze Star