Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Company Quartermaster-Sergeant

Unit:

Jedburgh, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

July 19th, 1945

C.Q.M.S. MENZIES was the wireless operator of one of the most successful special operational teams to go into France. He parachuted in uniform into the Indre et Loire region on 10th August, 1944.
Throughout the period during which he was in the field he carried out all duties assigned to him with the highest degree of courage, efficiency and cheerfulness, which won the admiration and resect of all the members of the resistance movement with whom he came into contact.
For example, on one occasion when both the officers of his team were away, the F.F.I. came into action with German forces within 200 yards of his operating post at Les ?usseaux.
Under heavy fire, MENZIES moved all codes and wireless equipment to a place of safety as he realised that his operating post was about to be over-run.
Without the communications ensured by this N.C.O.'s devotion to duty, the primary task of the mission to which he was attached - liaison with resistance groups in the field - could not have been successfully carried through. It is recommended that he be awarded the Mlitary Medal.
Signed: Colin Gubbins, Major-General. 6/8/45

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Company Quartermaster-Sergeant

Unit:

Jedburgh, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1945

Citation:
"C.Q.S.M. MENZIES was parachuted into the Veluwe area of enemy occupied Holland on 3rd April 1945 in company with two officers.
This specially trained party had the mission of co-ordinating the operations of local resistance groups and of air-infiltrated S.A.S. personnel in order to assist advancing allied forces, primarily by the preservation of certain bridges.
Menzies was W/T operator to the party. He succeeded in establishing immediate contact with H.Q. in U.K. , and much important traffic was passed up to 17th April 1945, when the party was over-run by Allied troops.
MENZIES was highly commended by his C.O. on his excellent work, which was carried out in circumstances, which required courage and nerve, necessitating his wearing civilian clothes and moving about openly in daylight in areas full of the enemy.
It is recommended that he be Mentioned in Despatches."
Signed: Colin Gubbins, Major-General.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Company Quartermaster-Sergeant

Unit:

Jedburgh, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

October 17th, 1946

"In recognition of their* difficult tasks, when during the war they were landed by parachute in the Netherlands and distinguished themselves in an exceptional way, collecting valuable information for the continuation of the fight against the enemy."

'They' refers to Major A.H. Clutton, Company Quartermaster Sgt. J.S. Scott Menzies and Sergeant G.C. Somers.