Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1945

Citation:
"This officer was parachuted into France on 12th May 1941 as second in command to an organiser in northern France. He was one of the first officers to be parachuted into occupied France. He worked for nearly a year in conditions of the gravest danger, and travelled widely throughout France making contact with various local resistance groups and organising sabotage teams.

Early in 1942 his chief became seriously comprimised, and was obliged to return to England. During his absence Cotton-Burnett took over the direction of the circuit and showed an unusual degree of courage in maintaining contact with a double agent who was working for the Gestapo. For over a month he lived under considerable nervous strain knowing that he was under the constant observation of the Gestapo. By his courage and sang froid he was able to prevent complete Gestapo penetration of the circuit.

He was eventually arrested by the Germans in May 1942 and was severely interrogated and tortured. After three years in captivity, first at Fresnes and later in a prison camp, he was repatriated in May 1945.

For his outstanding bravery in undertaking a dangerous clandestine mission in occupied France, and for his endurance during the time he spent in captivity, it is recommended that this officer be appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division)."

Signed
Colin Gubbins
Major-General
25.8.45.