Date of birth:

June 20th, 1923 (Algiers/Algeria)

Date of death:

March 1st, 2010

Service number:

301095

Nationality:

British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Henry Diacono was of Maltese parentage but born in Algiers. He was educated at Notre Dame de l'Afrique and Ecole Superieure de Commerce d'Alger. He entered the U.K. in 1942 and enlisted in the 17 Bn Royal Fusiliers.
After being drafted by SOE he became a wireless operator with the French Section. He was parachuted into occupied France in February 1944 and worked for Armand/Spiritualist's circuits. He maintained contact with London for eight months.
Postwar be became a shipping agent in Algiers. In 1952 be was mplyed by a firm of carpet importers in Paris.
In 1963 he retired to Sorges, Perigord, France.
A lengthy interview with him can be watched on Home - legasee.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

August 30th, 1945

This officer was parachuted into France on 6th February 1944 as W/T operator to a circuit in the PARIS area, the most difficult and dangerous region for underground work. He had only one set at his disposal, and to avoid D/F by the enemy he never transmitted more than two or three times from the same palce; he was therefore constantly moving about carrying his wireless equipment and risking arrest.
For seven months DIACONO maintained without interruption the vital aireless link with LONDON, thus making possible the supply of large quantities of arms and equipment to his circuit. He handled some 200 messages, and never one missed a schedule.

His commanding officer pays tribute to his outstanding work, often in grave danger, and to his unfaling devotion to duty. It is recommended that this courageuous and galant officer be appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division)."

• - https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37244/supplement/4371
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