Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

Balkans & Middle East Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1945

This officer was parachuted into ALBANIA on 15th October 1943 with a small party whose mission was to organise Albanian Resistance to the enemy forces of occupator, particulary by attempting to unite the opposing Albanian factions of Communists and Nationalists.
In spite of great difficulties and constant danger of betreyal, the Mission of which Major CHESSHIRE was a most valuable member achieved initial progress in making contact with the Communist Groups and with the emissaries of the Nationalists. On 8th January 1944 however, as a result of treachery by a Nationalist, the Mission Headquarters was ambushed by a party of Lbanians and Germans.
Under heavy enemy fire Major CHESHIRE remained perfectly cool and with outstanding leadership deployed the H.Q. personnel through deep snow to neighbouring high ground. A burst of machine gun fire hit the Brigadier commanding the Mission ans an Albanian follower and knocked them both into a snowdrift at the bottom of a gully. Major CHESSHIRE at the same time received severe wounds in the thigh but dragged himself through the snow, still under enemy fire to the assistance of these casualties. He was able to give them some relief but the small party including an R.A.F. sergeant was captured. During the trying ordeal that followed, Major CHESSHIRE set an outstanding example of courgage trhoughout all hardships. He was repatriated in April 1945.
Prior to the break up of the British Mission, Major CHESSHIRE had given repeated and outstanding examples of leadership and steadfastness under enemy fire and it is recommended that he be appointed a Companion in the Distinguished Service Order."
Signed: Colin Gubbins, Major General. 15.9.45.

Originally recommended for a DSO but downgraded to a MC.