Award D.S.O. Brigadier Edmund Frank DAVIES, M.C. and Bar Royal Ulster Rifles SOE Albania

brithm · Jan 21, 2022

Award Distinguished Service Order Brigadier Edmund Frank 'Trotsky' Davies, M.C. and Bar (12254) Royal Ulster Rifles SOE

This officer volunteered to be parachuted as Head of a small British Mission to ALBANIA./ He was dropped in the Field on 15th October 1943. The task of the Mission was to organise Albanian Resistance to the enemy forces of occupation, particularly by attempting to units the opposing Albanian factions of Communists and Nationalists.

ALBANIA was less organised, offered less scope and promised less result for Resistance activities than any other area in EUROPE. In spite of great difficulties and though in constant danger of betrayal, the Mission achieved initial progress in making contact with opposition groups both of Left and Right. Largely as a result of the Mission’s efforts considerable enemy forces were retained in ALBANIA; bit for the threat of guerrilla activities these might well have been freed for operations against the Allies in another area.

On 11th December 1944 Brigadier DAVIES personally led a Partisan Brigade in an attempt to force a river crossing and break through the strong German cordon threatening the extinction of the Allied Military Mission Headquarters and the main force of Partisans in the area. On meeting heavy opposition, a complete rout and panic in the Partisan forces was only prevented by the bravery and example shown by the Brigadier, who rallied his forces under fire and after inflicting high casualties on the enemy successfully moved a large force of Partisans across the river and disengaged the remainder.

On 18th December, Brigadier DAVIES in daylight personally penetrated the enemy lines to make a recce of enemy positions encircling the Mission Headquarters and as a result was able to lead them safely through the enemy lines by night.

On 8th January 1944 after three weeks of many personally led actions and during which period extreme cold and starvation were endured, the survivors of the Mission Headquarters were again attacked from all four sides by some 1,000 German and collaboration troops. Brigadier DAVIES personally led his small force of three British officers, two British O.R.s and twelve Partisans against the enemy in the face of heavy machine gun and rifle fire. By his complete disregard for his personal safety and by superb leadership he set such an example to his exhausted, starving and frostbitten officers and men that after an advance under continuous fire lasting one hour up a completely exposed mountain-side in thick snow, the enemy were forced to give ground. Towards the end of this action Brigadier DAVIES was very severely wounded.

In spite of great pain as he lay in the snow and although still under heavy fire, he continued to shout encouragement and advice to his men and continue their advance, and only when he saw that the way had been cleared for their successful escape did he sallow himself to be removed from the line of ire and placed under cover. By this action Brigadier DAVIES enabled two British officers and one British O.R. to escape and saved the Allied Mission from total extinction. But after his quick decisions and personal example, no one would have lived to continue the excellent work he had started.

In recognition of his inspiring leadership, his gallantry under fire and his very valuable contribution to the strategic and political planning in that area, it is recommended that this officer be appointed a Companion in the Distinguished Service Order.
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WO 373/100/111

WO 416/89/272

SOE Personal File
HS 9/399/7

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Award D.S.O. Brigadier Edmund Frank DAVIES, M.C. and Bar Royal Ulster Rifles SOE Albania

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Award D.S.O. Brigadier Edmund Frank DAVIES, M.C. and Bar Royal Ulster Rifles SOE Albania

brithm Senior Member

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