Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

December 20th, 1945

Citation:
"Capt. TERRY has devoted his life to acquiring knowledge of the German character and characteristics which has proved of immense value to the British services in this war.
Before he proceeded on the ST. NAZAIRE raid, for which he volunteered, Capt. TERRY had distinguished himself as an interrogator of German Prisoners of War.
On the 28th March, 1942, during the raid on ST. NAZAIRE, France, Capt. A.F.A.I. TERRY was attached to Lt.-Col. A.C. NEWMAN's Headquarters for Intelligence Duties. Lt.-Col. NEWMAN has made the following report on Capt. TERYY's actions:
"Joining the force as he did two days before sailing, Capt. TERRY started with the very defenite disadvantage of taking part in an operation in which all ranks had been very highly and strenuously trained. To say that he stood up to the very gruelling operation without flagging would be an understatement; for his actions from the moment of setting foot on French soil until taken Prisoner, some ten hours later, were outstanding.
Capt. TERRY displayed courage, great initiative and was, at all times, of great assistance to me.
On one occasion, during the street fighting in the Town of ST. NAZAIRE, Capt. TERRY went off alone to find out what the position was with regard to the enemy in the adjacent streets. At great personal risk, armed only with a revolver and showing total disregard for his own personal safety, he carried out this reconnaissance, bringing back the most valuable information of the actions and whereabouts of the enemy. It was only when all ammunition had been expended and with great many seriously wounded, The Headquarters Part, with Capt. TERRY, were taken Prisoner of War.
His subsequent behaviour during the three years he was a Prisoner, contributed to a very great extent to the maintenance of high morale. Working every day from morning until night Capt. TERRY kept the whole P.O.W. Camp in touch with the current events of the War by producing a Daily News Sheets comprised from extracts from all available German Press.
With his untiring energy, both in action and in the subsequent lethargic period of Prisoner of War, Capt. TERRY showed an example such that I am recommending him for recognition of service high, in and out of action."
Whilst a prisoner of War, Capt. TERRY did valuable work providing news for his Camp from the German Press. "Marrying" this to the B.B.C. news he was able to paint the true picture and greatly strengthened the morale of the camp thereby."