Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Luitenant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

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

Citation:
"This officer was parachuted into Belgium on 2nd June 1944 and was attached to the chief of military sabotage of Zone V of the Secret Army to assist as sabotage instructor. He was responsible for training sabotage groups within this zone, and for instructing already trainined groups in the latest methods and techniques in use of arms and explosives.

On June 23rd, 1944 he took part in an attack on the Vise-Liege line, which was cut and caused a gap to the rails seventy metres long. On July 23rd, he took part in a similar attack on the Vise-Montzen line; this too was completely successful. Minor attacks organised by him during the month of August were responsible for causing considerable delay to German traffic on the line between Liege and Verviers.

Throughout the whole of the critical period os post D-Day activity, Bertrand ran considerable risks in stimulating the men under his control to a maximum of effort. He showed great resouce and daring, his ability to control and command when in the field won high praise from his zone commander.

It is recommend that Lieut. BERTRAND be awarded the Military Cross."

Signed
Colin Gubbins
Major-General
4.6.45