Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

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

Mr. Michael Taperell, a British subject living in FRANCE, joined the Resistance Movement at the beginning of 1942 and worked with several British officers in south-eastern FRANC. He helped to organise a number of receptions of arms and personnel on the Mediterranean coast, ad later acted as liaison officer between the various groups of an important circuit stretching from the COTE d'AZUR to the SAVOIE mountains.
In April 1943 he entered the service of a British organiser. He worked loyally and devotedly until his arrest. He acted as assistant W/T operator and himself organised a net-work of internal radio communication between the various branches of the circuit, with operators and sets stationed at NICE, ANTIBES, CANNES, DIGNES, CASTELLANE, PUGET-THENIERS AND EYGALIERS.
In April 1944 Mr. TAPERELL was arrested by the Gestapo and deported to GERMANY.
Mr. TAPERELL showed great courage and devotion in volunteering for dangerous work in Resiatance. Handicapped by his English appearance and a lame leg he nevertheless travelled constantly in the course of his duties despite of the dangers in passing enemy controls. After his arrest he was tortured by the Gestapo and it is believed that he gave nothing away. His British commanding officer has paid tribute to his courage and devotion to duty.
It is strongly recommended that he be appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division).

Civil Division

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)