Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

June 15th, 1944

Recommendation:
"This officer landed in FRANCE by parachute in May 1942 with instructions to set up a resistance organization in the LYON area.
In six months he built up a circuit which achived no less than twenty receptions and successfully attacked equipment, rolling stock, factories and other enemy occupied territories.
These activities, coupled by the fact that his original entry into FRANCE was made within sight of a police station and resulted in the capture of his companion, caused most intensive activity by the Gestapo which culminated in the arrival in LYON of a very large draft of police, followed by a house to house search.
Recommended for the award of the M.B.E."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

June 21st, 1945

Citation:
"In early March 1944 this officer was dropped into the South of France for the second time in order to organise resistance groups in the Marseilles area for initial sabotage and subsequent guerilla action.
On arrival he found that the group he had to contact had been destroyed, and so he had to organise from the beginning. Despite the difficult conditions of a terrain without cover for maquis x for the reception of supplies by air, this officer succeeded in building up, by initiative, persistence and courage, resistance groups which he subsequently led with outstanding succes.
During the period of recruiting, training and equipping, Boiteux to ensure safe delivery commanded his own air supply reception committees always risking attack by the enemy in view of the necessarily close proximity of these reception points to German observation posts.
In mid-June an enemy attack inflickted eleven casualties and Boiteux himself badly wounded in the leg and arm. On recovery he returned to the task of organising resistance in the Riviera/Marseille area, an undertaking made particulary hazardous by increased surveillance in fear of attack.
On D-Day he fulfilled all his set tasks, successfully cutting rails, roads and communications. Subsequently he played a prominent part in the street fighting in Marseilles personally leading the attack on the Prefecture.
In recognition of the high qualities of this officer, whose largely unaided efforts contributed greatly to the success of resistance action, it is recommended that he be awarded a Military Cross."
Signed by Major-General- Colin Gubbins
24.3.45

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

1946

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)