Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1945

Citation:
"This officer was dropped near AMBERIEU on 19 Feb 43 to take over the control of an escape organisation in France and in particular to increase the number of escape routes from the south of France into Spain.
On arrival he found that one of his contacts had been arrested by the Gestapo. He nevertheless succeeded in making the necessary liaisons and in the next few months recruited many more helpers, laid the foundations of an escape line, and was responsible for the escape of a number of Allied airmen and agents. On May 17th he was arrested by the Gestapo as liable at his age for work in Germany. For 7 weeks he was in prison first in BIARRITZ and later in BORDEAUX in conditions of considerable privation. He was treated as a hostage and endured seven interrogations.
He kept his head and by sticking to his cover story obtained his release. As a sick man and having lost over 2 stoned in weight Capt. NERES now without funds, walked 54 kilometres to LANGON, en route to his headquarters at ANNECY.
After four weeks convalescence he took up his work again and perfected the escape lines to Spain which he had previously been building up.
He came out of France through Spain in October 1943, was arrested by the Spanish authorities in November but escaped from prison and made his way out of Spain into Portugal.
In recognition of this officer's bravery in very dangerous circumstances and his devotion to duty, it is recommended that he be appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division).
Signed: Colin Gubbins, Major-General. 3rd August, 1945"