Desmond Longe


Desmond Evelyn Longe, MC, DL, was a British Army Major, S.O.E agent and Commander of the Inter-Allied mission, Eucalyptus.

Early life and family

Longe was born the son of the Rev. Charles Longe of Spixworth Park, Norfolk, England and educated at Woodbridge School, Suffolk. Longe worked as a bank clerk in Jamaica before spending the majority of his wartime service in West Africa, India and Vassieux-en-Vercors in the department of Drôme in southeastern France.

World War II

During the war, Longe served in the British Army as part of the Special Operations Executive. He served in West Africa, Middle East, Far East and North Western Europe. Longe was the commander of the Inter-Allied Mission Eucalyptus. On 19 July 1945, Longe was awarded the Military Cross.

Mission Eucalyptus

On 21 June 1944, members of a ‘Jedburgh’ special operations unit commanded by Major Desmond Longe parachuted into a field in the French commune of Vassieux-en-Vercors in the department of Drôme in southeastern France as part of an inter-allied mission codenamed ‘Eucalyptus’, intended to educate the guerrillas in the use of parachuted weapons training in guerrilla-style combat as well as seeking suitable landing and drop zones for airborne operations in the area. The mission comprised Commander, Major Desmond Longe and his second in command, John Houseman, a former estate agent. Also aiding the mission were three subsequent officers, including 2 radio officers: Franco-American OSS agent, Andre Pecquet and Frenchman, Phillipe Saillard. The mission moved near Saint-Martin-en-Vercors on 10 July 1944 where it was strengthened furthermore by three French officers, including Adrien Conus.

Honours and awards

On 19 July 1945, Longe was awarded the Military Cross by King George VI for gallantry during active operations against the enemy.

Military Cross1939–1945 StarWar MedalCroix de guerre avec palme 1939–1945

Personal life

Longe served as President of Norwich Union Insurance in the 1970s and later Chairman in 1980. Longe was appointed High Sheriff of Norfolk in 1975. In 1980, Longe served as President of the Royal Norfolk Show. Longe was appointed as Director of Schiedam Insurance, Netherlands and Director of Scottish Union and National Insurance Co.

Books

Longe has been mentioned in the following books: