Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

June 21st, 1945

Citation:
"Major HOUSEMAN was second-in-command on an inter-Allied Military Mission, despatched to France by parachute in June, 1944, for liaison duties between the High Command and the Mlitary Governor of the Vercors area, which harboured large French Forces of the Interior.
On the 20th July, a strong enemy force, including an armoured division and an Alpne regiment, attacked with air support. When the maquis defences had been turned and the force was disintegrating, the mission received orders from the French High Command to take to the woods and all W/T contact with the outside was lost. As the situation failed to improve, HOUSEMAN and his commanding officer set out to cross the enemy lines to make contact with a W/T post. This journed was sccomplished in two days under constant enemy fire from all sides and entirely without food or water.
The W/T post was not found nor was contact established with the French Command and it was then decided to make for Switzerland to report the position to London and obtain new orders as soon as possible. This was achieved with the utmost difficulty in the next seven days, travelling in British uniform over 150 miles in mountainous country, through enemy lines and enemy-occupied territory with little knowledge of French and aware that the enemy had descriptions of both officers.
It is recommended that this officer be appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division).
Signed: Colin Gubbins, Major-General. 24-2-45