Chene, Le, Pierre Louis "Grégoire"

Date of birth:: June 14th, 1900
Date of death:: 1979
Service number:: 221029
Nationality:: French

Biography

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Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: F Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government
Awarded on:: November 15th, 1945

Citation:
"This officer was parachuted into France in early May 1942 as W/T operator to a large circuit in Central France, and worked for some eight months in very difficult conditions. Enemy repressive measures were at their worst and arrests were frequent. The organisation was in a state of flux and much depended on the steadfastness of the W/T operator. Le Chene showed this quality in a high degree. Though compelled to keep continually on the move, he worked untiringly and maintained communication with London over a long period.
On one occasion informations was recieved that the Germans had brought 80 D/F vans to Lyon and had spotted all the W/T sets working in this town. Despite this Le Chene continued to operate. His house was eventually raided, but by his sang froid and presence of minf he succeeded in avoiding arrest and moved to another house where he continued his work, until, towards the end of December 1942, and was arrested while transmitting.
He was realeased and returned to the U.K. on 12th May 1945.
For his unfailing loyalty and devotion to duty and his courage in the face of danger, it is recommended that Lt. le Chene be appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division)."
Signed: Colin Gubbins, Major-General. 16.6.45