Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Awarded on:

December 30th, 1941

Citation (general):
"In recognition of distinguished services in the Middle East (including Egypt, East Africa, The Western Desert, The Sudan, Greece, Crete, Syria and Tobruk) during the period February, 1941, to July, 1941."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

116/118th Field Battery, 31th Field Regiment, 4th Indian Infantry Division, British Indian Army

Awarded on:

August 4th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Major

Unit:

Military Intelligence Section 9 (MI9), Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), War Office, British Government

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1945

This Officer was wounded in the North African campaign in 1942. He sustained the loss of his right arm and was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in action. Since 1943 he has been concerned with the planning and execution of Underground operations for the evacuation of Allied Service personnel from occupied territory. In the Winter of 1943 secret agents in Paris and Brittany set up an organisation for convoying Allied evaders from Paris to Brittany, where they were taken off by the Navy in M.T.B.'s under cover of darkness. In all, nine operations of this description took place, resulting in the rescue of 120 Allied airmen and soldiers.

From December 1943 until Jul 1944 Captain WINDHAM-WRIGHT was in charge of all arrangements with the Navy for evacuating the men and for infiltrating agents of M.I.9 to carry out secret escape work. On seven seperate occasions he journeyed in an M.T.B. from Dartmouth to a point about a mile from the Brittany coast and with Naval personnel embarked in a surf boat to an agreed bench, where he contacted agents and discussed future plans with them. He also directed the evacuation of the Allied evaders, usually about 20, who were rowed back in the surf boat to the M.T.B. He was responsible for the landing of stores by the Navy, and the object of his presence was to encourage the local group by personal contact and also to assist agents of M.I.9 who were entering enemy territory for the first time. The total achievements of the organisation while Captain WINDHAM-WRIGHT was operating with the Navy were five agents infiltrated, three agents brought out, 5,000 lbs. of stores landed, and 120 personnel evacuated.

On one occasion in March Captain WINDHAM-WRIGHT made three journeys in 10 days, bringing out one agent and 70 Service personnel. These journeys to the Brittany coast were of a hazardous nature. The M.T.B.'s were in danger of radar detection and of clashing with enemy convoy routes. The surf boats were frequently nearly swamped in bad weather. 400 yards from the agreed beach, which was the same on all occasions, there was a German post with searchlight and field gun. The beaches were also mined and other hazards connected with beach defences had to be negotiated. In carrying out this work Captain WINDHAM-WRIGHT showed great disregard for his personal danger and by his presence inspired the local Underground groups to greater efforts, resulting in the remarkable numbers of soldiers and airmen rescued."

Second MC awarded as a Bar

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Awarded on:

May 23rd, 1947