Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

2 Special Boat Section, Special Service Brigade, Combined Operations Headquarters, War Office, British Government

Awarded on:

July 8th, 1943

Recommendation:
"North Africa.
Captain G.B. Courtney was one of three officers of the Special Service Brigade whose duty it was to put Major-General M. W. Clark of the U.S. Army and his mission ashore from the submarine in which they travelled to North Africa for the purpose of interviewing certain French authorities prior to the Allied landing in November 1942. These three officers had also to take General Clark and his party back to the submarine after the negotiations had been completed. General Clark has said of their services:— ‘Without their whole-hearted assistance and skilful use of the fine specialised equipment furnished them, I am sure that we could not have overcome the physical obstacles encountered in getting ashore and re-embarking through a heavy surf. Any consideration that can be given these officers will be well deserved and greatly appreciated by me.’ I consider that Captain Courtney was given a most responsible and difficult duty to perform and that his skill, judgment and steady nerve contributed directly to the successful outcome of this most important preliminary to the main operation."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Major

Unit:

2 Special Boat Section, 8th Submarine Flotilla, Royal Navy

Awarded on:

November 11th, 1943

"Has taken part in the following operations:
(1) Landing of Lieutenant-General Clark, U.S.A., in Algeria prior to Operation Torch.
(2) Escape of General Giraud from the South of France.
(3) Landing and disembarkation of agents in enemy territory in April 1943.
(4) Operation Marigold, Parts I & II in enemy territory in May, 1943.

For Bravery, devotion to duty, and leadership in the above operations, he being in charge of the Special Boat Section attached to the Eighth Submarine Flotilla."

"Palestine 1936-39"