Laversuch, Victor

Postmaster (1942)

Date of birth:: January 24th, 1900 (Tisbury/Wiltshire, United Kingdom)
Service number:: 144256
Nationality:: British

Biography

Laversuch, a businessman, joined the Army in April 1939 and served in 1940 with the BEF in France. He joined the Special Operations Executive (SOE) in August 1940 and was stationed at SOE West Africa. Laversuch played a large part in the Operation Postmaster.

21 August 1940: 2nd Lieutenant (retained seniority)
?: Captain
?: Temporary Major

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE, Military Division)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Major
Unit:: W Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government
Awarded on:: July 28th, 1942
Awarded for:: Operation Postmaster

"Major Laversuch was largely responsible for the preliminary work and for planning the operation.

In the actual operation he was called upon to accept the disappointing decision that he must stay behind in Lagos in order to co-ordinate its various phases. He was not present therefore to see the plans carried out that he had been responsible for drawing up.

The success of the whole operation, however, was very largely due to his skill, judgement and balance of mind in the preparation.

The operation came as the culminating point of fourteen months service and the coast distinguished by loyalty to the Chief of Mission, and by close co-operation in establishing and organizing two Missions on the West Coast of Africa."