Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

June 21st, 1945

Citation:
"Major Longe commanded an Inter-Allied Military Mission, despatched to France by parachute in June 1944 for liaison duties between the High Command and the Military Governor of the Vercor area, which ahrboured large French Forces of the Interior.
At the end of July the Maquis forces of that area were overborne by a strong enemy force, including an armoured division and an Alpine Regiment, and Longe's mission, taking to the woods in accordance with French H.Q. Orders, found themselves decoid of W/T contacts ad without water or adequate rations. Longe, although suffering from a leg injury, therupon returned to the battle area with two volunteers and obtained supplies from the farms now under enemy surveillance. This involved a 12 hour journey through enemy-patrolled country.
As the situation failed to improve, Longe set out again with two volunteers to cross the enemy lines to make contact with a W/T post. This journey was accomplished 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 Longe thereupon decided to make for Switzerland in order to report London the full situation in his area and to get further orders.
This he achieved with the utmost difficulty in the next seven days, travelling in British uniform over 150 miles in moutainous country, through enemy lines and enemy-occupied territory with little knowledge of French and aware that the enemy had his dscription."
* It is recommended that this officer who demonstrated courage and tenacity in very arduous circumstances be awarded the Military Cross."
Signed: Colin Gubbins, Major-General. 24.2.45.



*in the recommendation this sentence was striken through and replaced by "Recommended for the award of the Military Cross."
It is possible that this was due to the fact that, after Longe's and Houseman's escape to Switzerland, rumors circulated that they had fled in the face of the enemy.

This mission was called Operation Eucalyptus