Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

April 18th, 1946

Recommendation:
"This officer was landed in France by submarine in April 1942 as W/T operator to a circuit in the Lyon area. Zeff came on the air very shortly afterwards and worked efficiently and devoted for then months in the most difficult conditions.

Resistance in Lyon was particulary active and enemy repressive measures were proportionately severe. D/F activity was intense and the life of a W/T operator was consequently fraught with dangers. Zeff narrowlingly escaped arrest on several occasions, his sang froid and presence of mind saving him each time.

In June 1942 his organiser and several other members of the circuit were arrested. The organiser having escaped, Zeff personally hid him and assisted him to re-establish his cover and continue his work. Later in the year, after the Germans had occupied Lyon and conditions had become even more dangerous, Zeff himself was seriously comprimised and actively sought by the Gestapo. In February 1943 he was obliged to leave France. On his way to the Spanish frontier he was arrested by the Germans and imprisoned. ZEFF returned to the United Kingdom on 11th June 1945.

This officer's loyalty, steadfastness and devotion to duty are worthy of high praise. It is recommended that he be appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (military div.)"

Signed
Major-General Colin Gubbins
2nd Jan '46.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)