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Auction: 21003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 482

A rare 'Second World War Intelligence Chief's' C.B.E. group of eleven awarded to Brigadier C. D. Roberts, Royal Artillery, who served as Chief of Security Intelligence Middle East from 1944-46, leading the capture of at least twelve enemy spies in the period; he had previously been decorated for his service in South Russia in 1919

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (C.B.E.), Military, Commander's 2nd type neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. C. D. Roberts.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (Brig. C. D. Roberts. C.B.E. Staff.); Coronation 1953; Russia, Imperial, Order of St. Anne, breast Badge, with Swords, 35mm, gold (56 zolotniki) and enamel, maker's name under enamel on reverse, gold marks to ring; United States of America, Legion of Merit, breast Badge, gilt and enamel, traces of lacquer, minor official correction to first letter of rank on GSM, good very fine (11)

C.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1945. The original Recommendation states:

'Lt.-Colonel Roberts has been responsible for organising and conducting the counter-intelligence work in Syria since July 1941. His work has largely contributed to our immunity from enemy espionage and sabotage in that territory. He has succeeded in breaking up their early stages several enemy organisations and has been responsible for the capture and conviction on a charge of espionage of twelve enemy agents.'

Russian Order of St Anne A.F. South Russia No. 2085 22 November 1919.

American Legion of Merit London Gazette 19 November 1948. The original Recommendation states:

'Brigadier C. Douglas Roberts, British Army performed meritorious service to the United States as Defense Security Officer in the Levant cities of the Middle East from June 1942 to August 1944.'

Charles Douglas Roberts first saw action in South Russia from 14 May 1919, serving as a Captain on the General List, being Artillery Instructor at Armavir from 1 March-21 October 1920 for which he was rewarded with his 3rd Class Order of St Anne with Swords. Recalled for service in the Second World War, having been commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery in October 1939, He soon found his way into the Intelligence world in the Middle East.

Roberts played a key role and was the Chief (with title of Defence Security Officer) of Security Intelligence Middle East (SIME) based in Cairo from 1944-46, having previously ran a team in Syria. It was composed of Security Service (MI5), with Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) provided by liaison officers and army Intelligence Corps personnel (including Field Security teams), but MI5 were the lead agency and provided the focus. During the period he was awarded a 'mention' (London Gazette 24 June 1943, refers), an O.B.E. (London Gazette 14 October 1943, refers), before being appointed a Commander in that Order. His citation records the capture of at least twelve enemy spies, these included Johannes Eppler and Hans Gerd Sandtede, who were working for Rommel and were part of the German Operation Salaam, masterminded by László Almásy. Having infiltrated Cairo, the pair set up on a house boat on the Nile (Operation Condor). They quickly however came under the watch of Roberts and British Intelligence. The boat was eventually stormed and the whole story has been widely publicised since.

The work of SIME is regularly cited in reference works related to Ian Fleming's 30 Assault Unit, besides all manner of 'Secret' operations in that theatre of War. Roberts is known to have joined the Foreign Office having retired from the British Army; sold together with copied research.

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Sold for
£2,800

Starting price
£2800