On July 14, 2024 a plaque commemorating the parachuting of two OSS officers into occupied southern France will be unveiled. Events planned in addition to the unveiling are a French paratroopers drop, speeches, presentations and a reception.
The officers mission was to join with an existing SOE circuit (Footman) and assist the French underground with slowing the advance of the German Das Reich division northward towards Normandy. Capt. William H. Daniels (my father) and Lt Guy Songy, parachuted into the Lot and joined SOE officers Capt. Cyril Watney and Maj. George Hiller to work primarily with the Groupes VENY. Daniels escaped a German ambush along with the head of one of the Groupes VENY, blew up bridges and cut communications cables. He received the Silver Star, Croix de Guerre avec Palme and the Legion of Honneur. Songy received the Bronze Star and Croix de Guerre.
Members of the officers' families will be present at the events, and hopefully so will members of Watney's. If anyone has contact with members of Hiller's family, please ask that they contact me for further information at donna.wakeman@gmail.com. Anyone interested in attending is welcome and also may contact me.
The officers mission was to join with an existing SOE circuit (Footman) and assist the French underground with slowing the advance of the German Das Reich division northward towards Normandy. Capt. William H. Daniels (my father) and Lt Guy Songy, parachuted into the Lot and joined SOE officers Capt. Cyril Watney and Maj. George Hiller to work primarily with the Groupes VENY. Daniels escaped a German ambush along with the head of one of the Groupes VENY, blew up bridges and cut communications cables. He received the Silver Star, Croix de Guerre avec Palme and the Legion of Honneur. Songy received the Bronze Star and Croix de Guerre.
Members of the officers' families will be present at the events, and hopefully so will members of Watney's. If anyone has contact with members of Hiller's family, please ask that they contact me for further information at donna.wakeman@gmail.com. Anyone interested in attending is welcome and also may contact me.
