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Ross, James Rae

Service number:
97048
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel
Awarded on:
April 19th, 1945
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:
Signals Division, Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
August 2nd, 1945
Awarded for:
Operation Overlord
"Lieut. Col. Ross joined the Supreme Headquarters AEF in December 1943 from the Middle East in order to plan radio communications for "Overlord".

He has handled an intricate and difficult task of co-ordinating the vast inter allied and inter service radio nets with brilliant success. He was also responsible for the overall radio cover plan which undoubtedly deceived the enemy as to the allied intentions.

His continued and outstanding devotion to duty coupled with his technical ability have largely contributed to the success of the inter allied and inter service radio communications."
---
"Lt. Col. Ross was brought back from the Middle East in December 1943 to plan and organize the radio communication for operation "Overlord". He applied himself with such energy to his task that after six weeks his section was so well organised as to enable a junior officer to take charge while Lt. Col. Ross was put in control of the radio arrangements for the Cover Plan.

There were necessarily of a most complex nature and it is greatly to Lt. Col. Ross' credit that he brought them to such a pitch of perfection as to bring about in the most conclusive manner the results required in each phase of the Cover Plan. Much work requiring great skill and carrying considerable responsibility was involved.

Later, when the operations began, he re-assumed control of radio communications without relinquishing the responsibility for the radio arrangements for the Cover Plan. He has since carried out both tasks with success.

During the past three months the radio problems, particularly that of meeting the requirements of France and other liberated countries without interfering with operations, has become more and more complex. Lt. Col. Ross in his capacity of Chairman of Sub-Committee of the Combined Signal Board has by his skill and tact achieved the seemingly impossible in satisfying the requirements of all for radio services."
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:
Signals Division, Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
November 8th, 1945
Legion of Merit - Officer (LoM - O)

Sources

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