Extract from download document from The National Archives. Reference WO 373/98/251 Full text from both pages
DSO Recommendation
Airey Middleton Sheffield NEAVE. Military Cross.
This officer has been largely responsible for the planning of all rescue operations carried out by IS 9 (WEA) since arrival in FRANCE of D 2 of the operational teams. In the early days of the invasion he planned several successful short range operations in the Amercian Army Group area, which resulted in the rescuing of a small number of Escapers and Evaders. When the advance of the Allies became general, appreciating the fact that the operational teams were somewhat handicapped in the work by lack of experience, he himself, went forward with the teams in order to ensure that all his plans were efficiently carried out. He, personally, took part in a number of rescue operations, amongst others one which resulted in the rescue of some 100 Escapers and Evaders, who were concealed in a camp organised by one of the escape organisations in the CHATEAUDUN area. His complete disregard of personal danger on these operations and his rapid and efficient appreciation of the changing situation was an inspiration, not only to the teams, but also the French and Belgium agents working with them. When the battle once again became static, Major NEAVE was attached to 30 Cops and later to 2 Canadian Corps in the NIJMEGEN area in order to arrange the evacuation of the Airbourne survivors in the ARNHEM area. The successful evacuation of some 120 Evaders from this area was largely due to the preliminary planning by Major NEAVE, and the efficient communications organised by him. Later he returned to the United Kingdom in order to re-organise the Dutch Escape Organisations which had suffered serious losses at the hand of the Gestapo. Once again, his efforts were highly successful, and the final liberation of HOLLAND found the whole area covered with an efficient network of escape lines. During the whole of his period with IS 9 (WEA), he had shown ceaseless devotion to duty and has constantly been a source of inspiration to all. Prior to his service with IS 9 (WEA, Major NEAVE was employed by IS 9 (UK). His job was to select, train and drop agents on the continent to form organisations with which he subsequently got into touch during his operational work. This tack called for an infinity of patience and hard work at all hours of the day and night; not only that, but in his dealings with Allied Intelligence Services the utmost tact had to be displayed. The success which he obtained was amply demonstrated when camps such as those at CHATEUDUN and in the ARDENNES were over-run. The conception of these and the formulation of all the plans connected therewith were his.
To Major NEAVE, can, therefore, be ascribed both the planning, for hiding up evading service personnel and a large part of the operations which resulted in the release of these men.
Signed.
H. MGALE. Lieutenant-General. Chief Administrative Officer.
Dated 14/6/45
In the margins to the right of the main body in the following
Cancelled no DSO awarded from DMI 13.10.45.
