85608 Brian Edeveain DILLON, MBE, The Royal Norfolk Regiment; SAS; SOE.

Discussion in 'Veteran Accounts' started by JimHerriot, Nov 22, 2022.

  1. JimHerriot

    JimHerriot Ready for Anything

    I've searched WW2 Talk for previous reference to Brian Dillon and been unable to find any, but if I have missed any previous reference please merge/add thread as necessary.

    My reason for starting this thread was prompted by a letter and a photograph that I will be posting here shortly:

    The French SAS in Tunisia January 1943

    The two pdfs I've attached here are firstly The London Gazette entry for the award of his MBE in 1945 "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field", and the meat on the bones for said award can be found here:

    Dillon, Brian Edevrain (Oral history)

    Please note that the second pdf is a full listing from the IWM site of the contents of the twelve audio reels that will help if your interest is just in a particular period as covered by the interviews. I hope that if you have the time that you will listen to all, from pre-war to post-war (please be prepared for military language throughout).

    Kind regards, always,

    Jim.
     

    Attached Files:

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  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Personal Number: 85608
    Rank: Major
    Name: Brian Edeveain DILLON, MBE
    Unit: Royal Norfolk Regiment


    London Gazette : 27 January 1939
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34593/page/608/data.pdf
    The undermentioned Gentlemen Cadets, from the Royal Military College, to be 2nd Lts. 26th Jan. 1939:—
    R. Norfolk R.—
    Brian Edeveain DILLON.

    London Gazette : 19 February 1941
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35077/supplement/955/data.pdf
    R. Norfolk R.
    1st Jan. 1941: —
    B. E. Dillon (85608).

    London Gazette : 18 October 1945
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37310/supplement/5097/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotion in, and appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field: —
    To be Additional Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:—
    Major (temporary) Brian Edeveain DILLON (85608), The Royal Norfolk Regiment.

    London Gazette : 25 January 1952
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/39447/supplement/504/data.pdf
    R. Norfolk.
    Capt. B. E. DILLON, M.B.E. (85608), to be Maj., 26th Jan. 1952.
     
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2022
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  3. Guy Hudson

    Guy Hudson Looker-upper

    Brian Edeveain DILLON
    11th May 1919 Dublin, Eire - 3Q 1993 Ipswich, Suffolk aged 74
    WO 417:4.png
    Wounded in action Libya (date not reported) (WO 417/4)
     
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  4. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Thanks for that excellent link, listened to all 12 reels, left wishing there were 12 more. From Gazala Gallop, Benghazi Raid, Greece, Berlin, the Windrush fire through to Regimental Depot & Balls, as well as a brief mention of the SOE club; with all personalities encountered in between. Interesting comments on Kurt Waldheim's wartime activities.



     
    Last edited: Mar 14, 2024
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  5. gmyles

    gmyles Senior Member

    Extract from War Diary of 6 BW Jan 45. WO 170-4991. Just prior to the truce declared on 15 Jan.

    upload_2022-11-25_9-6-56.png

    upload_2022-11-25_9-6-26.png

    hope this helps

    Gus
     
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  6. gmyles

    gmyles Senior Member

    Hi

    "Operation Cheviot" was a mission to Recce the airfields at Kalamaki, Tatoi and Elevsis in September 1944.

    First attempt to air drop the personnel resulted in the Dakota crashing with no survivors.

    SOE/OSS killed Greece 9 September 1944.

    They were quickly replaced only a few days later by another 3 man team consisting of F/L George Darlow, attached from RAF AHQ Greece and a met specialist, Lt Stan Legg, a Royal Engineer officer, attached from 2 Para Sqn RE and Cpl Austin De'Ath another SOE Radio Operator. They were flown to exactly the same spot where the plane crashed.

    They were greeted by Major Dillon of Force 133 who had been asked to provide support.

    In this case however, "Operation Cheviot" was a success. The information they gained was vital for planning for OP Manna. Lt Legg was a awarded a MC, whilst F/L Darlow and Cpl De'Ath were both mentioned in Dispatches.

    Gus
     
    Last edited: Mar 14, 2024
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  7. giannkost

    giannkost New Member

    Good afternoon gentlemen
     
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  8. giannkost

    giannkost New Member

    My name is Dr. Kostas Giannakos and I am doing a research about SOE personnel in Greece during WW2. In my research, Major Dillon playes a key part, since he was around in many historical events, especially his version of the events behind the massacre at Distomo. I would greatly appreciate any help you can provide me, especially with archival material. Any help with other SOE personnel, such as Lt. Col. Leslie "Rufus" Sheppard, Harry McIntire, Geoffrey Gordon-Creed, Stan Legge and any other you might deem important. Your help and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
     
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  9. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    Kostas,

    Our in-house expert Gus aka gmyles no doubt will along soon. We also have an expert on SOE, Jedburgh who drops in at times.

    I would strongly advise you start a new thread on your quest for help, it will get a higher profile. If you can add fuller details on the four men named that could help - we have lots of people named in threads.

    The forum's simple search facility will identify four previous threads which mention Distomo.

    PM with research points next.
     
  10. giannkost

    giannkost New Member

    Thank you very much for your useful tip. I will follow your advice and start a new thread.
     
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  11. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    I've created a basic threads for
    Hopefully others can add more.
     
    Last edited: Mar 14, 2024
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