Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1945

Citation:
"This officer was parachuted into France in September 1942 as assistant to an organiser in the Clermond Ferrand area. His chief was arrested shorty after his arrival, and Rafferty himself was nearly caught. In spite of the added dangers resulting from this incident, he carried on alone and organised a number of sabotage groups not only in the Clermont district but also futher east in the Jura.
In spite of intense Gestapo activiy Rafferty travelled frequently in order to maintain contact between the various groups in his circuit, and directed a number of parachute dropping operations, by which his organisation was armed. Amongst the numerous sabotage operations he carried out was a successful attack on the Michelin tyre factory at Clermont Ferrand which resulted in the destruction of large stocks of tyres at a time when Germany's rubber shortage was particulary acute.
This officer was arrested by the Gestapo in June 1943, while attempting to organise the escape from gaol of one of his French lieutenants. His groups both in the Massif Central and in the ? survived his arrest, and having been taken over by other organisers developed into two on the most successful circuits in France. A report recieved after his arrest from the prison in which he was confined stated that as a result of Gestapo treatment he was "in a lamentable condition, arm broken, unrecognisably bruised", but that his morale was excellent and that he had refused to give any information away.
This loyal and courageous officer made an important contribution to the organisation of French resistance, and deserves high credit for his bravery and devotion to duty. It is recommended that he be awarded the Military Cross.
Since this citation was written we have been informed that Capt. Rafferty died in enemy hands on 29 March 1945."
Signed: Colin Gubbins, Major-General. 3rd August, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

January 16th, 1946

Citation:
"This British officer volunteered for missions in occupied territory and was parachuted into France in September 1942 in teh Clermont-Ferrand area.
Thanks to his work ethics and his disregard for danger he succeeded in establishing a resistance oranisation be became subsequently of much importance. He organised numerous parachute operations and took personally part in many sabotage missions. He was arrested in June 1943 by the Gestapo and refused, although being tortured, to reveal the names of his comrades and enabled his organisation to survive. He was subsequently deported to Germany.

This citation involves the attribution of the Croix de Guerre 1939 - 1945 with Gold Star."

Signed
In Paris, 16 January 1946
C de GAULLE