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Gabaudan, André

Date of birth:
December 5th, 1899 (Sète/Hérault, France)
Nationality:
French (1870-present, Republic)

Biography

André Gabaudan was involved with the FFL (Free French Legion) from May 1942 and received the brevet parachutiste FAFL nr. 35571. He was also known as 'Doyen' of the FFL-parachutists or the "oldest". After regrouping at Camberley, Great Britain, he followed the course Stage 64 ad Largo and Hardwick from February1942 until August 1943. He was promoted to 'aspirant' on 8th August 1943. With HQ Squadron, 2nd RCP, 4th SAS he took part in operation 'Auchinleck' from February until June 1944, with the 4th SAS in 'France' and 'Dingson', with HQ Squadron in 'Spenser from 26th August until 14th September 1944 en and from 4th April until 20th April 1945 with 9/2nd Squadron, 4th SAS in 'Amherst'.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant (Flying Officer)
Unit:
9th Company, 2nd Squadron, 4th SAS Regiment, Special Air Service (SAS), British Army
Awarded on:
January 2nd, 1951
Awarded for:
Operation Amherst
Aanbeveling:
For having distinguished himself in the face of the enemy by courageous and tactful conduct, having landed by parachute behind enemy lines in Drenthe in the night of April 7 and 8 1945 and having participated fearlessly in the ensuing fighting, getting injured in the process. In so doing, he has contributed to the liberation of the Netherlands thereby having served the interests of the Dutch State.

Royal decree no.15
Bronzen Kruis (BK)

Sources

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