Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

Force 136, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

December 20th, 1945

Capt. S.J.H. Read was attached to O.S.S. Detachment 101 from June until December 1941.

During this periode he quickly became respected by the natives as a leader and also learned to speak Kachin.

Letters of recommendation in the most enthusiastic terms have been received from both Col. W.R. Peers, U.S. Army, commanding the detachment, and Major Dow S. Grons, U.S. Army, the Operations officer.

Among many occasions upon which Capt. Read's conduct.was conspicuous was one incident in which having been landed by parachute from 6,500 ft in that area east of Bhamo, he, with a small party of Kachins, ambushed a Japanese Staff car and two trucks, succeeding in destroying all three vehicles and killing the occupants.

On another occasion in an area some eight miles west of HSENWI, Capt. Read, having himself made the preliminary reconnaissance, lead a platoon of Kachins against a Japanese force of approximately 150. In this action, which was entirely successful, he was wounded in the leg.

Colonel Peers says, "During both these engagements the actions of Capt. Read were cool and heroic; his actions were far beyond the normal call of duty".

An extract froma letter from Major Grons states, "During his tour with Detachment 101, Capt. Read displayed qualities of leadership and daring becoming to an Officer of the Allied forces and through this, won the total confidence and faith of his native troops and fellow officers. He is to be commended highly on many feats accomplished during his operational tour, many of which cannot be enumerated at this time".

Capt. Read is strongly recommeneded for the immediate award of the Military Cross.

Reommended by Lt.Col R. Gardiner, Force 136.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

Force 136, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

November 7th, 1946

In recognition of gallant and distinguished services whilst engaged in special operations in South East Asia

Unit:

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Awarded on:

December 31st, 1976