Holdsworth, Gerard Alfred "Gerry"

Date of birth:: December 27th, 1904
Date of death:: July 24th, 1985
Service number:: 136317
Nationality:: British

Biography

Pre-war, Gerard Holdsworth served with the SIS's Section D along the coast of Norway. Posted to Stockholm when the Germans invaded Norway, returned to England via Finland. First posted to D Section Home Defence Organisation and subsequently to the SOE.

Organized Helford River naval base until December 1942, afterwards setting up Naval Section of Massingham in North Africa. Finally posted to Italy as commander of No. 1 Special Force from September 1943 to 1945.

Military career:
1940: SIS (Section D)
21 June 1940: 2nd Lieutenant
12 December 1940: RNVR commission
1940: SOE Naval section
1941-1942: OC Helford Flotilla
1942-1943: Small boat operations Mediterranean
1943-1945: C.O. No 1 Special Force (SOE Italy)

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Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Temporary Lieutenant-Commander
Awarded on:: June 15th, 1943

"For bravery, enterprise and devotion to duty."

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Acting Commander
Unit:: No. 1 Special Force, J Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government
Awarded on:: May 15th, 1945

General citation: "For most distinguished service in operations in enemy-occupied territory."
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Recommendation: "In Sept 43, Commander G.A. Holdsworth D.S.O. brought his ship, the second to enter Brindisi Harbour, to prepare the ground work for the support of any resistance which might prove active, in Italy, and in Central Europe. The latter part of 1943 was spend in establishing contacts, building up the necessary organization enlisting and training personnel, mainly Italians, acquiring accommodation, establishing wireless communications and arranging for stores and equipment. It was very largely due to Comd Holdworth's foresight, experience and great organizing ability that the installations now operated by S.O.(M) which have proved so successful in providing a very considerable measure of support to resistance elements throughout Italy, the Balkans and Poland were established. Early in 1944 Comd Holdsworth was given charge of the co-ordination of all action in and into German occupied Italy. During the following nine months, his personality, drive and determination and his great experience in all types of clandestine, para military and marine activities built up Italian resistance to its present extent, so that it is now accepted a an important factor in the plans of the C in C, A.A.I. The constant attrition of the German fighting effort on the Italian front due to organized sabotage, strikes etc, and the direct support given by Italian resistance to our advancing armies has been publicly acknowledged. In this connection the considerable result achieved in maintaining the morale of Italian resistance by the radio programmes of "Italia Combatte" organized by Commander Holdsworth may be mentioned.

These results were not achieved without a great many set backs and it was due to Comd Holdsworth's political sagacity, tactful personality, enthusiasm and dogged persistence which overcame all obstacles.

I recommend that his outstanding services be recognized by the award of the C.B.E." (Awarded the OBE instead)

- 27 Sep 1944

IN THE EVENT OF THIS AWARD BEING APPROVED IT IS REQUESTED THAT NO PUBLISITY BE GIVEN FOR SECURITY REASONS.