Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

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 for the second time on 3rd March 1944 as Assistant Organiser to recruit and train wireless operators in the field.

Pans faced constant danger in transporting wireless sets to safe-houses for wireless operators in training and he also saw that an adequate supply of wireless sets in working order was successfully delivered in various parts of Belgium.

PANS was arrested with his Chief in the latter's workshop on 26th May 1944, and in the shooting affray that followed was wounded in the leg and removed to hospital. PANS was severely tortured and ill-treated in an attempt to make him talk. He bore his trials with immense fortitude and revealed nothing which would betray the activities of the Secret Army throughout Belgium. PANS succeeded in escaping from the Mailnes train on the liberation of Belgium.

On his previous mission, his outstanding courage, resolution and firm determination won for him the award of the British Empire Medal and the Croix de Guerre Belge. The same qualities were in evidence in this second mission which was of a more hazardous and responsible nature.

It ir recommended that Lieut. PANS be awarded the Military Cross."

Recommended by Colin Gubbins
Major-General
21.5.45