ROCHELEAU, F/O Joseph Rodolphe Ulysee (J17973)
- Distinguished Flying Cross - No.101 Squadron - Award effective 24 May
1944 as per London Gazette dated 6 June 1944 and AFRO 1660/44 dated 4
August 1944. Born Stoney Point, Ontario,
1918; home there. Trained at No.2 ITS, No.3 BGS and No.3 AOS. Commissioned 1943. No citation other than "completed...many
successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill,
fortitude and devotion to duty."
Public Records Office Air 2/8780 has recommendation dated 11 March 1944
when he had flown 46 sorties (260 hours); first tour (17 May to 27 August 1942)
was with No.57 Squadron; sortie list gives targets but no other details;
listing for second tour has comments but no times:
First
Tour
15 May 42 Boulogne 2
July 42 Bremen
21 May 42 GARDENING 7 July
42 GARDENING
30 May 42 Cologne 8
July 42 Wilhelmshaven
1 June 42 Essen 13
July 42 Duisburg
2 June 42 Essen 14
July 42 GARDENING
5 June 42 Essen 23
July 42 Duisburg
6 June 42 Essen 26
July 42 Hamburg
8 June 42 Essen 28
July 42 Hamburg
17 June 42 Emden
and Osnabruck 31
July 42 Dusseldorf
20 June 42 Emden 9
Aug 42 Osnabruck
22 June 42 Emden 11
Aug 42 Mainz
23 June 42 GARDENING 15 Aug
42 Dusseldorf
25 June 42 Bremen 24
Aug 42 Frankfurt
29 June 42 Bremen 27
Aug 42 Kassel
Second
Tour
27 Aug 43 Nuremburg Rather scattered
attack
30 Aug 43 Munchen
Gladbach Good bombing of
target
23 Sept 43 Mannheim Quiet trip;
satisfactory results
27 Sept 43 Hannover Many
explosions in built-up area
1 Oct 43 Hagen Bombed in
10/10 cloud.
4 Oct 43 Frankfurt Concentrated
attack, Pathfinders very good.
26 Nov 43 Berlin Excellent
fires; very successful.
1 Jan 44 Berlin Glow of
fires seen through cloud; one large explosion observed.
5 Jan 44 Stettin River and
docks seen; attack well concentrated with many fires.
14 Jan 44 Brunswick Successfully
carried out in cloud.
20 Jan 44 Berlin Large
column of smoke seen after bombing.
21 Jan 44 Magdeburg Good bombing
concentration and large fires.
27 Jan 44 Berlin Good
attack; large explosion in target area.
30 Jan 44 Berlin Bombed
in 10/10 cloud; no results seen.
20 Feb 44 Stuttgart Large area
of fires concentrated around target indicator markers.
24 Feb 44 Schweinfurt Pathfinder Force
marking good; large fires with smoke up to 10,000 feet.
1 Mar 44 Stuttgart Bombed in
10/10 cloud.
15 Mar 44 Stuttgart Successfully
carried out.
Flying Officer Rocheleau is a Canadian who is
on his second tour of operations and has successfully carried out 18 sorties
with this squadron and proved himself to be a navigator of outstanding skill
and courage.
By his enthusiasm and exceptional cheerfulness
at all times, this officer has inspired confidence and greatly contributed to
the high morale of the crew. The excellent results achieved on many occasions
have been largely due to his navigational ability and determination to
concentrate on the task in hand and undismayed by the strongest opposition.
The high standard of proficiency and devotion
to duty displayed by Flying Officer Rocheleau throughout the time he has been
with the squadron fully merits his recommendation for an award of the
Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
ROCHELEAU, Sergeant Marcel Joseph Oliver
(R108503) - Mention in Despatches - No.63 Base - Award effective 14 June
1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1600/45 dated 12
October 1945. Enlisted 4 June 1941. DHist file 181.009 D.2619 (RG.24 Vol.20628)
has recommendation forwarded 1 February 1945 to No.63 Base HQ when he had
served 22 months in Canada, ten months overseas. Described as Base Major Servicing Wing
Disciplinarian.
Sergeant Rocheleau is the Section
Disciplinarian and has been with the unit since its early days. His cheerful disposition and his eagerness to
help the men with their troubles has greatly augmented the morale of the
Section. He has worked energetically
towards better living conditions in the barrack blocks and has always had the
welfare of the men at heart. He is
recommended for Mention in Despatches for his devotion to duty and ability he
has displayed in the smooth solution of all personnel problems that have
arisen. he is respected by all and his
advice is freely sought.
*
* * * *
RODD, F/L David Beckwith (J9070) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.150 Squadron - Award effective 18 December 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 29 December 1944 and AFRO 379/45 dated 2 March 1945. American in the RCAF. Born 1918 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; home in
Concord, Massachusetts. Educated at Yale
University. Trained at No.3 ITS, No.21
EFTS and No.9 SFTS. Commissioned 1941.
This officer has operated against many of the
major targets in the Balkans including two mining missions in the Danube which
involved flying in bright moonlight at low level, his aircraft presenting an
ideal target to the ground defences. His
aircraft has been attacked on several occasions by enemy fighters. On one sortie the tire of his aircraft burst
on taking off. Despite this he completed
his sortie and bombed the oil refinery at Trieste. By his exceptional keenness for operational
flying Flight Lieutenant Rodd has set an outstanding example to his flight.
NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9033 has
recommendation dated 12 October 1944.
His squadron was part of No.205 Group, Mediterranean Allied Air
Forces. He was reported to have flown
860 hours in his first tour with Air Transport Command and had now flown 32
sorties (165 operational hours). He was
described as a Flight Lieutenant (Acting Squadron Leader) and a Flight
Commander in the unit.
Squadron Leader Rodd joined the squadron as
Flight Commander on the 11th August 1944, having already completed 22 sorties
of his second tour with 40 Squadron where he held the position of Deputy Flight
Commander. During his tour he has
operated against a large number of targets within the enemy night fighter zones,
many of them also having heavy ground defences.
These include Budapest, Bucharest (three times), Pardubice in
Czechoslovakia, Ploesti, Kamarom (Szolny oil refinery), Miskolc, Kalamaki and
Szekesfehervar and two mining sorties in the Danube which involved flying at
low level in bright moonlight and thus presenting an almost ideal target to the
ground defences. Throughout his tour
Squadron Leader Rodd has never failed to reach the target.
On the 11/12th May 1944 at Portu Ferrato after
his bombing run Squadron Leader Rodd was attacked three times by an enemy night
fighter but due to his successful evasive action it was only able to fire one
burst which went wide.
On the 26/27th June, 1944, his tyre burst on
take-off. The safest procedure would
probably have been to throttle back and remain on the ground by Squadron Leader
Rodd with his usual determination carried on and bombed the target which was
the oil refinery at Trieste. On return
he made a successful landing with negligible damage to his aircraft.
On the 26/27th August 1944, while attacking
troops concentrations at Pesaro, after dropping his bombs he went down and
attacked at low level with his guns.
On the 10/11th September, 1944, at Milan where
there was low cloud over the target he was one of only seven aircraft out of
the whole Group plotted in the target area.
Squadron Leader Rodd has shown no desire to
limit himself to the normal number of sorties but rather to continue to operate
as frequently as his other duties would allow so long as he remained Flight
Commander on this squadron. By his
exceptional keenness to operate he has set an outstanding example. He has also shown leadership and efficiency
of a high order and I strongly recommend that he be awarded the Distinguished
Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
RODDICK, F/O Frederick James (J16289) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.262 Squadron - Award effective 25 March 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 7 April 1944 and AFRO 1020/44 dated 12 May 1944. Born in Viking, Alberta; home there. Trained at No.2 ITS, No.15 EFTS and No.11
SFTS. Commissioned 1942.
This officer has taken part in a large number
of anti-submarine patrols, often flying in very adverse weather. He has constantly displayed great courage,
determination and devotion to duty. This
was particularly evident when on one occasion he sighted an enemy submarine at
about ten miles range. In the face of intense
and accurate fire from the U-Boat, Flight Lieutenant Roddick persisted in his
attack, straddling the vessel with depth charges and causing such severe damage
that the submarine was unable to submerge or proceed at any speed away from the
area. During the engagement Flight
Lieutenant Roddick's aircraft was hit by fire from the U-Boat and damaged. Nevertheless this officer made a masterly
landing.
NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/9624 has a
telegram dated 17 March 1944 from "Decrief" (Director-General, South
African Air Force) to Air Ministry:
Following recommendation submitted for an
immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Can/J16289 Acting Flight
Lieutenant Frederick James Roddick of 262 Squadron. During extensive operations
against enemy U-Boats 500 miles south of (Caphwgwu ?) Roddick sighted U-Boat
ten miles range and immediately went into attack. When aircraft about four
miles range from U-Boat it opened fire and hits were scored in the wings. In spite of this and in face considerable
flak he carried on with determination and depth charges dropped which straddled
U-Boat. One depth charge hung up and although aircraft had been damaged Roddick
immediately carried out another attack during which remaining depth charge fell
within five yards of U-Boat. After the
attack U-Boat was damaged to extent that it was unable to submerge or proceed
at any speed away from the area ad this enables another aircraft to carry out
further attack. Commander-in-Chief South Atlantic has stated that these attacks
probably resulted in destruction of U-Boat. On conclusion of this flight in
spite of structural damage which prevented the lowering of one wing tip float
Roddick carried out very successful landing and prevented loss of aircraft.
Flight Lieutenant Roddick actively engaged anti-submarine duties since March 1943
and during period completed 600 hours operational flying consisting 40 sorties
under extremely adverse weather. Officer also carried out attack on U-Boat on
12 July 1943. Immediate award
recommended for courage, determination and devotion to duty.
This was refined into a citation which,
however, was still too lengthy for publication:
Since March 1943, this officer has taken part
in a large number of anti-submarine patrols, often flying in very adverse
weather. Throughout this period, he has
constantly displayed great courage, determination and devotion to duty. This was particularly evident when on one
occasion he sighted an enemy submarine at about ten miles range. In the face of intense and accurate fire from
the U-Boat, Flight Lieutenant Roddick persisted in his attack, straddling the
vessel with depth charges and causing such severe damage that the submarine was
unable to submerge or proceed at any speed away from the area. During the engagement Flight Lieutenant
Roddick's aircraft was hit by fire from the U-Boat and the subsequent damage
prevented the lowering of one wing tip float.
Nevertheless this officer made a masterly landing.
*
* * * *
RODEN, F/O Thomas Ryland (J36324) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.432 Squadron - Award effective 5 February 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 20 February 1945 and AFRO 563/45 dated 29 March 1945. Born 1914 in Toronto; home there (audit
clerk). Trained at No.1 ITS and No.4
AOS. Commissioned 1943. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty." DHist file 181.009 D.5557
(RG.24 Vol.20667) has recommendation dated 28 October 1944 when he had flown 28
sorties (132 hours 35 minutes), 1 August to 14 October 1944.
This officer has shown exceptional
navigational ability throughout his tour, consisting of twenty-eight
operational sorties over a wide variety of targets in France and Germany. His quiet confidence which has inspired a
high standard of morale in his crew and his co-operation, courage and devotion
to duty warrant a strong recommendation for the award of the Distinguished
Flying Cross (Non-Immediate).
*
* * * *
RODGER, F/L David (J10160) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.617 Squadron - Award effective 1 September 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 15 September 1944 and AFRO 2373/44 dated 3 November
1944. Born 1918 at Sault Ste.Marie,
Ontario; home there (ex-Militia).
Trained at No.1 BGS. Commissioned
1943.
Flight Lieutenant Rodger has taken part in
many operational sorties as rear gunner.
His targets have included such heavily defended objectives as Berlin,
Hamburg and centres in the Ruhr. He has
also participated in low level attacks on transformer stations, viaducts and
other vital targets in France. His calm
resolution in the face of the heaviest opposition has always been an
inspiration to his crew.
*
* * * *
RODGERS, Sergeant (now F/O) Andrew Love
(R85924/J96414) - Air Medal with Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters (United
States) - 9th USAAF - Award effective 10 March 1945 as per Canada
Gazette dated 4 May 1946 and AFRO 473/46 dated 10 May 1946. Born 2 April 1921 in Burbank, Scotland;
enlisted in Toronto, 27 December 1940.
Trained at No.1 WS and No.6 BGS.
Awarded Air Gunner badge, 15 September 1941; posted overseas, 6 October
1941; to RAF Helwan, 31 March 1942; to No.205 Group, 23 August 1942; to Middle
East (Ismaili), 6 December 1942; Serving
in 81st Bombardment Squadron, USAAF Middle East, when he was shot down and
taken prisoner, 5 April 1943. He claimed
to have flown 25 sorties. Commissioned 8
May 1945. Announced in General Order
No.2 dated 5 January 1945, Headquarters, USAAF, Middle East, Cairo, "he
having participated in 5 operational missions, each of more than 2 1/2 hours
duration"
*
* * * *
RODIER, W/C Gilles Paul (C1112) - Member,
Order of the British Empire - AFHQ - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per Canada
Gazette of that date and AFRO 82/46 dated 25 January 1946. Born in Montreal, 23 July 1897; educated
St.Mary's College and McGill. Employed
by Howard Smith Paper. Enlisted in
Montreal, 30 September 1939. Made an
adjutant to an east coast squadron, then went to No.3 Training Command
Headquarters and on to Ottawa, assisting Air Marshal Bishop, Director of Air
Force Recruiting (May 1940 to January 1944).
Eventually commanded No.2 Aircrew Graduate Training School.
This officer has shown great devotion to duty
at all times under what have often been very trying circumstances, and has been
of inestimable service to the war effort in morale, recruiting, public
relations and Air Cadet matters. During
all his flying trips to the United Kingdom, the United States, and all over
Canada he has shown great initiative, keenness and self-sacrifices and is an
important contributing factor to their success.
His performance of these duties has been highly meritorious. As a French-Canadian officer he has shown
true qualities of leadership among members of the Royal Canadian Air Force of
French descent and has been an example which has inspired many others to enter
the Royal Canadian Air Force.
*
* * * *
RODNEY, F/L William (J27015) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.78 Squadron - Award effective 14 July 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1861/44 dated 25 August 1944. Born 1923 in Drumheller, Alberta; home in
Calgary. Trained at No.4 ITS, No.16 EFTS
and No.4 SFTS. Commissioned 1942. Cited with F/O H.F. Grimble (RCAF, air
bomber, DFC - which see for citation).
RODNEY, F/L William, DFC (J27015) - Bar to
Distinguished Flying Cross - No.78 Squadron - Award effective 15 March
1945 as per London Gazette dated 23 March 1945 and AFRO 721/45 dated 27
April 1945.
Since the award of the Distinguished Flying
Cross this officer has flown on many more operational sorties. He has continued to display outstanding
keenness, courage and initiative and as captain of aircraft and deputy flight
commander he has set an inspiring example to all.
NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9050 has
recommendation dated 8 December 1944 with sortie list and more extended text;
drafted when he had flown 35 sorties (165 hours 23 minutes):
1 May 44 Malines
(3.40) 28
July 44 Foret de Nieppe (3.29)
8 May 44 Berneval
(3.50) 1 Aug
44 Prouville (3.58)
9 May 44 Berneval
(3.55) 2 Aug
44 Foret de Nieppe (3.22)
10 May 44 Lens
(3.52) 3
Aug 44 Foret de Nieppe (3.14)
31 May 44 Trappes
(5.23) 4 Aug
44 GARDENING (4.39)
2 June 44 Trappes
(4.42) 31 Aug
44 Soesterburg (3.14)
5 June 44 Courseulles
(4.56) 10 Sept 44 Le Havre (3.51)
6 June 44 St.Lo
(5.44) 11
Sept 44 GARDENING (5.19)
7 June 44 Juvisy
(4.03) 4
Oct 44 GARDENING (5.56)
22 June 44 Laon
(4.16) 7
Oct 44 Cleves (4.51)
25 June 44 Montorgueil
(4.42) 14 Oct 44 Duisburg (5.22)
27 June 44 Mont
Condon (3.25) 25 Oct
44 Essen (5.04)
28 June 44 Blainville
(6.09) 30 Oct
44 Cologne (6.17)
4 July 44 St.Martin
l'Hortier (3.45) 2 Nov 44 Dusseldorf (5.17)
17 July 44 Caen
H.2 (4.10) 21
Nov 44 Sterkrade (6.42)
18 July 44 Acquet
(3.58) 30
Nov 44 Duisburg (5.33)
20 July 44 Bottrop
(4.30) 2
Dec 44 Hagen (6.46)
24 July 44 Stuttgart
(7.29)
Since this officer was awarded the
Distinguished Flying Cross for an outstanding performance on the 8th of June of
this year, he has completed 26 more operations and completed a full tour,
consisting of 35 sorties, involving a total of 165 hours (129 points).
He has shown outstanding qualities of
leadership, both on the ground and in the air, and as a Deputy Flight Commander
he has been most valuable in training new crews.
Flight Lieutenant Rodney has always shown the
greatest keenness for operations and has never failed to fulfil any mission on
which he has been sent.
For his outstanding ability on operations and
devotion to duty at all times, he is most strongly recommended for the award of
a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
ROE, F/O George Reginald Burdick (J16508) - Mention
in Despatches - No.149 Squadron ? - Award effective 14 January 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 874/44 dated 21 April 1944. Trained at No.2 ITS, No.18 EFTS and No.15
SFTS. Killed in action 24/25 June 1944
with No.149 Squadron (Stirling EF140).
Unit not given in AFRO which says only "Overseas"; the unit of
award is assumed from the unit in which he died.
*
* * * *
ROGAN, Sergeant James Beck (R109343) - British
Empire Medal - No.61 Base (AFRO gives unit only as "Overseas" -
Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and
AFRO 155/46 dated 15 February 1946. See War
Service Records 1939-1945 (Canadian Bank of Commerce, 1947). Born in Northern Ireland, 14 September
1919. Educated in Vermillion,
Alberta. Enlisted in Canadian Army, 19
March 1941, transferring to RCAF on 15 July 1941. Sent overseas, October 1942, in UK to
November 1945, and released 18 December 1945.
Clerk. No citation. DHist file 181.009 D.2993 (National Archives
RG.24 Volume 20634) has recommendation for a Mention in Despatches forwarded
from No.61 Base to No.6 Group Headquarters, 27 July 1944. Although this was probably too early to be
converted to a BEM, the text gives an idea of the nature of his work:
Sergeant Rogan has organized, with untiring
effort, considerable ability and unselfish devotion, a highly efficient Aircrew
Postings and Records Section at this Heavy Conversion Base Headquarters. His
tact and ability have enabled him to accomplish much that would ordinarily have
fallen upon the shoulders of executive officers, thereby enabling such officers
to devote the time gained to other administrative matters.
*
* * * *
ROGERS, F/L Albert William (J29650) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.117 Squadron - Award effective 27 March 1946 as per London
Gazette dated 5 April 1946 and AFRO 497/46 dated 17 May 1946. Trained at No.4 WS and No.5 BGS.
This officer has completed a number of sorties
with this squadron, the majority of which have been flown during the
monsoon. He has shown great skill as a
despatcher on supply dropping missions.
These sorties frequently involved flying over mountainous terrain in
adverse weather and, in Central Burma, in the face of enemy ground fire. Despite these difficulties, Flight Lieutenant
Rogers' enthusiasm never failed. His
courage, skill and devotion to duty have been an example to all.
*
* * * *
ROGERS, P/O (now F/O) Douglas Payne (J37349) -
Mention in Despatches - No.113 Squadron - Award effective 23 February
1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 280/46 dated 15 March
1946. Trained at No.2 WS and No.8 BGS. NOTE:
The facts of the citation should be checked, as a letter dated 6 April 1946
(S/L D.L. Ramsay, CO, WAC HQ Administration Unit to the Department of National
Defence for Air) says that Coulter (above) and Rogers were actually with S/L
N.E. Small on 31 July 1942, operating from Yarmouth. DHist file 181.009 D.1636 (RG.24 Vol.20604)
has application for Operational Wings dated 8 February 1944; claimed 118
patrols with No.113 Squadron (538 hours 50 minutes), 2 March 1942 to September
1943. Briefly with No.8 (BR) Squadron on
west coast (two sorties in Venturas) before posting to Patricia Bay.
On October 30th, 1942, Sergeant (now Flying
Officer) Rogers was a wireless air gunner on a Hudson aircraft from Torbay, Newfoundland, engaged on convoy
escort, which participated in an attack on an enemy submarine. According to information received from German
sources there is every reason to believe that this attack resulted in the
destruction of the submarine. This
non-commissioned officer's proficiency as a wireless operator and air gunner
was a contributing factor in the success of the attack.
*
* * * *
ROGERS, F/O George McClintock (J14220) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 13 October 1944 and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born 1916 in Tillsonburg, Ontario; home there. Trained at No.1 AOS. Commissioned 1942. No citation other than "completed
...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has]
invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty". DHist file 181.009 D.1634 (RG.24
Vol.20604) had recommendation dated 22 July 1944 when he had flown 35 sorties
(220 hours 40 minutes), 18 November to 4 July 1944.
This officer has successfully attacked many of
the enemy's heavily defended targets such as Berlin, Leipzig, Frankfurt and
Hanover. His skill as a navigator
invariably put his aircraft over the target exactly on time on the correct
bombing heading so that extremely good bombing results were usually achieved. He also carried out several very important
minelaying operations in which much of the success of the whole attack depended
on his reaching the target on the exact time and correct heading.
At all times he greatly aided in the
supervision and training of new navigators and for these efforts as well as the
completion of a very satisfactory tour of operations, I recommend the immediate
award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
ROGERS, P/O Harold Wilson (J88217) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 10 May 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 25 May 1945 and AFRO 1291/45 dated 10 August 1945. Born 1924 in Riverside, New Brunswick; home
in Colchester, New Brunswick (fitter).
Trained at No.3 BGS. Commissioned
July 1944. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty." DHist file 181.009 D.1941
(RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 22 December 1944 when he had flown
34 sorties, 8 Sept 43 (Boulogne, in a Wellington, likely with an OTU) to 4
November 1944. However, citation seems
to start sortie count from 28 December 1943 (Berlin).
On this officer's first sortie (Berlin) on
28th December 1943, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy aircraft, but due to
his skilful instructions to the pilot this enemy aircraft was successfully
evaded. Again, when gardening in the
Baltic on 23rd April 1944, his aircraft was attacked by a single engine enemy
aircraft, and again he was successful in outmaneouvering the enemy
aircraft. On a third occasion, i.e. when
detailed to attack Versailles on the night of 10th June, 1944, his aircraft was
once again attacked by enemy aircraft, but in this case, also, his cool and
skilful instructions resulted in his aircraft outmaneouvering the enemy
aircraft.
This officer, towards the end of his tour,
flew with several skippers and each has remarked upon his exceptional skill and
coolness on operations.
This gunner has completed 34 sorties, some of
which have been Berlin (2), Stettin (2), Bremen, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Bochum,
and Bottrop.
I consider the unswerving devotion to duty and
courage shown by this officer fully merits the immediate award of the
Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
ROGERS, P/O Paul Amos (J15115) - Mention in
Despatches - No.404 Squadron - Award effective 9 June 1942 as per London
Gazette dated 11 June 1942 and AFRO
1000-1001/42 dated 3 July 1942. Born 18
October 1919. Enlisted in Moncton, New
Brunswick. Trained at No.2 AOS and No.1
ANS. Graduated from No.2 BGS, Mossbank, 9 December 1940 and No.1 ANS, Rivers, 6
January 1941. Posted overseas, January
1941. Killed in action, 11 August
1942. No citation.
*
* * * *
ROGERS, FS Robert Roy Lorat (Can 22071A) - British
Empire Medal - No.9 Bombing and Gunnery School - Award effective 14 June
1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 1127/45 dated 6 July
1945. Born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, 16 March 1913. Enlisted in Saint
John, New Brunswick, 16 September 1939.
During the three years he has been on the
strength of this unit, Flight Sergeant Rogers has shown fine qualities of
leadership and exceptional ability in his trade as an air frame mechanic. He has constantly and regularly worked long
hours on duty far beyond the requirements of his ordinary work. Due to his organizing ability, untiring
efforts and keen sense of devotion to duty, he has made a worthwhile contribution
to the high standard of maintenance and aircraft serviceability that this unit
presently enjoys.
*
* * * *
ROGERS, Corporal Stanley Ewell (R85945) - Mention
in Despatches - Station Leeming (AFRO gives unit as No.63 Base) - Award
effective 1 January 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO
425/45 dated 9 March 1945. Born 26 March 1922.
Enlisted 27 December 1940; arrived in England 21 January 1942. DHist
file 181.009 D.2619 (RG.24 Vol.20628) has recommendation forwarded 31 July 1944
to No.6 Group Headquarters. NOTE: recommendation
incorrectly gives name as "Rodgers".
This aero-engine mechanic is far above average
as a crew leader. He and his crew have changed power plants on Halifax aircraft
in record time, and on more than one occasion have been largely responsible for
"another aircraft" going on operations.
*
* * * *
ROHER, LAC Max (R182394) - Mention in
Despatches - Croft (AFRO gives unit only as "Overseas") - Award
effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO
1647/45 dated 26 October 1945. DHist
file 181.009 D.4364 (RG.24 Vol.20648) has recommendation submitted 2 February
1945. Had enlisted 1 August 1942, spending
five months in Canada before going overseas.
Armourer (Bombs).
This airman is employed in the Armament Daily
Servicing Section of this station. He
has served with the RCAF in England for two years.
During the past ten months much exacting work
has been required of this station due to operations. On numerous occasions this airman has forgone
food, rest and shelter in order that the job at hand could be successfully
completed. He has at all times displayed
a strong sense of duty and his splendid record has inspired those working with him.
*
* * * *
ROHMER, F/O Richard Heath (J24120) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.430 Squadron - Award effective 6 February 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 13 February 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born 1924 in Hamilton, Ontario; home in Ohio
(airframe mechanic). Trained at No.1
ITS, No.7 EFTS and No.14 SFTS.
Commissioned 1943.
Since the invasion of Normandy, Flying Officer
Rohmer has operated with outstanding success as a tactical reconnaissance
pilot. He has been responsible for
collecting much information which has proved of great value to the Army. This officer has at all times shown
pronounced enthusiasm for this type of operation and has consistently completed
the most difficult and hazardous assignments, regardless of anti-aircraft fire
and enemy fighters. His courage and
devotion to duty have been outstanding at all times.
NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9048 has
recommendation dated 29 September 1944 when he had flown 98 sorties (123 hours
15 minutes).
Prior to D Day this officer had flown only
twelve operational sorties, but produced good work. Since the invasion his
results as a Tactical reconnaissance pilot have been very outstanding and have
been responsible for locating, almost daily, both positive and negative
information of great value to the Army. His success is partly due to good map
reading, keen eyesight, a retentive memory, and ability to express clearly and
concisely his observations.
At all times he has shown pronounced
enthusiasm for tactical reconnaissance missions and has consistently carried
out the most difficult assignments regardless of the presence of enemy aircraft
and enemy flak. As a tactical reconnaissance section leader he has produced
unusually good results and has set a high standard for other pilots to follow.
His Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader F.H.
Chesters, adds:
This pilot has flown on more missions since D
Day than any other pilot in the squadron. Over 80 percent of these missions
have been tactical reconnaissance from which he has produced outstanding
results. In his keenness to complete all
tasks he has at all times continued the operation without regard for the
intensity of flak from heavily defended enemy positions. Results obtained from
these tasks have always been unusually accurate and complete.
The recommendation (with Robb's) appears to
have been pigeon-holed, as W/C R.C.A. Waddell (Officer Commanding No.39 Wing)
does not clear it until 23 December 1944 when he writes:
This officer by his unparalleled high standard
in reconnaissance work has set an example for all who served with him. His
skill as a pilot, accuracy in reporting and coolness in the face of the enemy
was a source of great inspiration both the Army units with whom he was in
contact as well as his fellow officers. Although never in a position to destroy
enemy aircraft he consistently carried his task to completion irrespective of
enemy opposition. On the completion of an outstanding operational tour I
strongly recommend this officer for the Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
ROLFE, F/O Victor (J10676) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.426 Squadron - Award effective 3 June 1943 as per London
Gazette dated 15 June 1943 and AFRO 1338/43 dated 16 July 1943 - Born 1915
in Hadleigh, Essex; home in Windsor, Ontario (auto worker). Trained at No.1
ITS, No.14 EFTS, No.4 BGS, No.4 AOS and No.2 ANS. Commissioned March 1942. Reported to No.426 Squadron from No.22 OTU,
28 October 1942 on formation. Navigator
to Sergeant J.J.McGavock's crew.
Not only in flying duties, but also on the
ground, Flying Officer Rolfe has displayed great energy and initiative. He has, on various occasions, acted as
squadron navigation officer when his extremely able navigation has been a
material factor in the successes achieved.
This officer's quiet determination and efficiency have set a magnificent
example to all, while his conduct invariably has been worthy of the highest
praise. Flying Officer Rolfe has
participated in many mine-laying operations.
ROLFE, F/L Victor, DFC (J10676) - Bar to
Distinguished Flying Cross - No.424 Squadron - Award effective 8 September
1945 as per London Gazette dated 21 September 1945 and AFRO 1704/45
dated 9 November 1945.
This officer is now on his second tour of
operational duty. Since being awarded
the Distinguished Flying Cross he has continued to display ability and accuracy
of the highest degree. On one occasion,
one engine of his aircraft became unserviceable early on the outward flight but
due to the navigational skill of Flight Lieutenant Rolfe, the crew were able to
complete the mission successfully. By
his fine example of courage and devotion to duty, together with his excellent
qualities as a leader, he has been an inspiration to all.
*
* * * *
ROLLO, P/O Kenneth Park (J87027) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.420 Squadron - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 17 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Born 1916 in Saskatoon; home in
Vancouver. Trained at No.4 ITS and No.2
AOS. Commissioned June 1944. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3456
(RG.24 Vol.20639) has recommendation dated 18 August 1944 when he had flown 36
sorties (171 hours), 25 March to 9 August 1944.
Pilot Officer Rollo as navigator in Pilot
Officer Sled's crew has throughout his tour of operations displayed exceptional
coolness and tenacity of purpose. His
skill as a navigator and ability to make instant decisions in emergency enable
him on every occasion to direct his aircraft safely to the target. His skill, coupled with his complete disdain
for all enemy defences, enabled this gallant crew to complete their many
successful sorties.
For his exceptional qualities of leadership
and fine record of achievement, Pilot Officer Rollo is strongly recommended for
the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
ROLLS, F/L Wallace Etherington (J17219) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.436 Squadron - Award effective 9 October 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 19 October 1945 and AFRO 155/46 dated 15 February 1946. Born 1914 in Vancouver; home in Hedley,
British Columbia. Trained at No.2 ITS,
No.3 AOS and No.2 BGS. Commissioned
December 1942.
Flight Lieutenant Rolls completed his first
operational tour with Coastal Command.
He commenced his second tour with the same command and took part in many
successful anti-shipping missions off the Dutch coast and over the North Sea.
His coolness and courage on air operations, often in the face of intense
anti-aircraft fire, have been of great value to his crew. On one occasion the bomb sight in his
aircraft became unserviceable during the run up to the target. With great skill this officer operated the
sight manually and scored a hit on an enemy merchant ship. He has also played an important part in operations
in support of the 14th Army in Burma.
*
* * * *
ROMANCHUK, FS (now P/O) Thomas (R212937) - Distinguished
Flying Medal - No.408 Squadron - Award effective 18 May 1945 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1127/45 dated 6 July 1945. Born 1924 in Oshawa; home there. Trained at No.10 BGS. Commissioned 1945. Cited with FS Daniel Shutka (RCAF rear
gunner, also DFM). DHist file 181.009
D.1764 (RG.24 Vol.200610) has recommendations for both in much greater detail. Shutka was rear gunner, Romanchuk was
mid-upper gunner. Their peak achievement
was on night of 1 November 1944 attacking Oberhausen. At 2042 hours Shutka saw a Me.210 attacking a
Lancaster which went into corkscrew.
Both gunners opened fire and the Me.210 was seen to go down in
flames. One minute later they were
attacked by a Me.110 which broke away when Shutka opened fire. At 2046, Romanchuk saw a Me.210 positioning
itself on the port beam. Both gunner
fired, hits were registered, and the enemy aircraft was last seen in flames,
diving out of control. Two minutes later
they were again attacked by a twin-engine fighter which broke away when Shutka
fired.
As mid-upper and rear gunner respectively,
Flight Sergeant Romanchuk and Flight Sergeant Shutka have participated in very
many sorties against enemy targets. They
have at all times displayed the greatest keenness, coupled with a high degree
of skill and co-operation. On one
occasion, during an attack against Oberhausen, they were responsible for the
destruction of two of four enemy fighters which engaged their aircraft during
the operation. Cool, resolute and
devoted, these airmen have proved themselves to be most valuable members of
aircraft crew.
*
* * * *
ROMANIUK, LAC Walter (R212112) - Mention in
Despatches - Middleton St.George (AFRO gives only "Overseas" -
Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date
and AFRO 1647/45 dated 26 October 1945.
Enlisted 22 December 1942. DHist
file 181.009 D.4364 (RG.24 Vol.20648) has recommendation sent to No.6 Group
Headquarters, 2 February 1945 when he had served 18 months in Canada, 20 months
overseas. Clerk.
This airman has displayed a zeal in the
performance of his clerical duties far beyond the call of duty. He has returned to work evenings to keep the
work of his Section up to date at all times, without being requested and has
given up his leave days on numerous occasions in order that the various
important reports, letters, etc. of the Section would not be delayed. He has done his work very well and has at all
times been thoroughly dependable. He has
been most cheerful and loyal and has set a splendid example to his fellow
workers in the section.
*
* * * *
ROMANO, F/O Armando (J21025) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.106 Squadron - Award effective 5 August 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 18 August 1944 and AFRO 2101/44 dated 29 September
1944. Born in Nelson, British Columbia;
home in Trail, British Columbia. Trained
at No.7 ITS, No.5 BGS and No.1 AOS.
Commissioned 1942. No citation
other than "completed...many successful operations against the enemy in
which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/9632 has
recommendation dated 15 May 1944 when he had flown 27 sorties (189 hours 55
minutes), 4 October 1943 to 11 April 1944.
4 Oct 43 Frankfurt
(6.55) 24 Feb 44 Schweinfurt (7.20)
7 Oct 43 Stuttgart
(6.50) 25 Feb 44 Augsburg (7.55),
18 Oct 43 Hanover
(5.55) photo
1/2 mile from
3 Nov 43 Dusseldorf
(4.50) aiming
point.
18 Nov 43 Berlin
(9.30) 10
Mar 44 Chateauroux (5.15),
26 Nov 43 Berlin
(6.55) photo
600 ft from A/P.
2 Dec 43 Berlin
(7.30) 18
Mar 44 Frankfurt (5.30)
3 Dec 43 Leipzig
(7.10) 22 Mar
44 Frankfurt (5.25)
19 Dec 43 Berlin
(7.00) 24
Mar 44 Berlin (7.35)
2 Jan 44 Berlin
(7.30) 26
Mar 44 Essen (4.50)
15 Jan 44 Brunswick
(5.15) 29 Mar 44 Signa Aero Engine
20 Jan 44 Berlin
(6.50) Works,
Lyon (7.15),
27 Jan 44 Berlin
(8.15) photo
700 yds from
28 Jan 44 Berlin
(7.50) aiming
point.
30 Jan 44 Berlin
(6.20) 30
Mar 44 Nuremburg (6.50)
19 Feb 44 Leipzig
(6.40) 11 Apr
44 Aachen (3.50)
20 Feb 44 Stuttgart
(6.45)
Flying Officer Romano, as Air Bomber, has
completed 27 successful operational sorties.
These have included attacks on such heavily defended targets as
Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Schweinfurt and Berlin (ten times).
Throughout his tour this officer has displayed
great skill and accuracy in his work and on several occasions his photographs
have been very close to the aiming point.
At all times Flying Officer Romano has shown
keenness and enthusiasm for his operational flying and his cheerful confidence
has inspired a high standard of morale in his crew. His co-operation, coolness and devotion to
duty have contributed in a large measure to his crew's successes and I consider
he fully deserves the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
ROMBOUGH, F/O Donald Albert (J87999) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.431 Squadron - Award effective 10 May 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 25 May 1945 and AFRO 1291/45 dated 10 August 1945. Born 1922 in Dunbarton, New Hampshire; home
in Gananoque, Ontario (clerk). Trained
at No.6 ITS, No.20 EFTS and No.1 SFTS.
Commissioned July 1944. No
citation other than "completed... numerous operations against the enemy in
the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage
and devotion to duty." DHist file
181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation by W/C H.M. Smith dated 14
January 1945 when he had flown 27 sorties (154 hours 10 minutes), 10 September
1944 to 7 January 1945.
Pilot Officer Rombough, a captain of an
aircraft, has carried out twenty-seven successful raids against the enemy
including such heavily defended targets as Nuremburg, Ludwigshafen, Bochum and
Kiel. Under a calm, quiet manner, Pilot
Officer Rombough has through his qualities as a captain inspired his crew that
is an example to the squadron.
In recognition of this officer's persistence
and determination coupled with outstanding courage and devotion to duty, I
strongly recommend that he be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
RONEY, P/O Robert Howard McGill (J93408) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.625 Squadron - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 25 September 1945 and AFRO 1768/45 dated 23 November
1945. Born 1921 in Hearst, Ontario; home
in Sault Ste.Marie, Ontario (steel recorder).
Trained at No.5 ITS, No.7 BGS and No.1 AOS. Commissioned January 1945. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty." Public Records Office Air
2/8751 has recommendation dated 15 April 1945 when he had flown 31 sorties (171
hours), 3 October 1944 to 9 April 1945.
3 Oct 44 West
Kapelle 29 Nov 44 Dortmund
5 Oct 44 Saarbrucken 3 Dec 44 Urft Dam; returned
7 Oct 44 Emmerich with
bombs as ordered
11 Oct 44 Fort
Frederick Hendrick 15 Dec 44 Ludwigshaven
14 Oct 44 Duisburg 29 Dec 44 Gelsenkirchen
14 Oct 44 Duisburg 2 Jan 45 Nuremburg
19 Oct 44 Stuttgart 4 Jan 45 Hannover
23 Oct 44 Essen 8 Feb 45 Politz
25 Oct 44 Cologne 21 Feb 45 Dortmund
29 Oct 44 Domburg 1 Mar 45 Mannheim
31 Oct 44 Cologne 7 Mar 45 Dessau
2 Nov 44 Dusseldorf 12 Mar 45 Dortmund
4 Nov 44 Bochum 23 Mar 45 Bremen
6 Nov 44 Gelsenkirchen 25 Mar 45 Hannover
16 Nov 44 Duren 27 Mar 45 Paderborn
27 Nov 44 Freiburg 9 Apr 45 Kiel
Pilot Officer Roney is the Canadian Air Bomber
of a very efficient Lancaster crew who is nearing the completion of his first
tour of operations, having completed 31 sorties for a total of 171 operational
flying hours.
This officer has taken part in many of the
most strongly defended targets in Germany, including Saarbrucken, Duisburg,
Essen, Stuttgart and Gelsenkirchen.
Pilot Officer Roney has delivered his bombs
with great accuracy, and the close co-operation which he has maintained with
his Captain has enabled the crew, as a team, to obtain the most successful
results which have been proved time and again by the photographs they have
obtained of the target which they have attacked.
Throughout his tour this officer has
maintained a very high standard of efficiency.
Attacks have been pressed home regardless of enemy opposition and this
Air Bomber has always remained calm and intent on his job, seemingly oblivious
to external conditions, showing a complete disregard for his personal safety.
The courage and devotion to duty, and the very
high standard of accuracy achieved by Pilot Officer Roney in all his work fully
merits him an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
RONNEBECK, F/O Robert Douglas (J92065) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 25 September 1945 and AFRO 1768/45 dated 23 November
1945. Born 1924 in Kenora, Ontario; home
there. Trained at No.2 ITS and No.3
BGS. Commissioned October 1944. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty." DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation by
W/C M.E. Ferguson dated 22 March 1945 when he had flown 29 sorties (181 hours
40 minutes), 29 August 1944 to 2 February 1945.
Rear gunner.
This Gunner has completed a tour of 29
sorties, 11 of which were daylight, against most of the heavily defended
targets in Germany. On many occasions
Pilot Officer Ronnebeck's experience and attention to duty have resulted in the
carrying out of a large number of successful operations against the enemy.
It is considered that Pilot Officer
Ronnebeck's consistent spirit of leadership and courageous devotion to duty
fully merits the award of the D.F.C. (Non-Immediate).
*
* * * *
ROOKE, FS Helen Margaret Ord (W305388) - British
Empire Medal - Station Sea Island - Award effective 13 June 1946 as per Canada
Gazette of that date and AFRO 660/46 dated 5 July 1946. Born 22 December 1922. Home in North Vancouver; enlisted in
Vancouver, 31 July 1942. Trained at No.7
Manning Depot; initially a Messwoman, she was reclassified Administration, 17
December 1942 and reclassified again as Physical Training Instructor, 25
November 1943. Served at various BCATP
schools before posting to Sea Island, 25 November 1943; released 16 June
1946. Served in postwar RCAF Auxiliary.
This non-commissioned officer has served
faithfully in a difficult position and has succeeded in providing excellent
leadership. She has carried out her
duties in a cheerful, conscientious manner throughout her entire period of
service.
*
* * * *
ROOP, Corporal John Frederick (R252331) - Mention
in Despatches - No.1 Group Headquarters - Award effective 1 January 1946 as
per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 82/46 dated 25 January
1946. Born 11 August 1916. Home in Truro, Nova Scotia; enlisted in
Halifax, 18 May 1943. Postal Clerk.
This non-commissioned officer has always taken
a keen interest in the welfare of the younger airmen and has devoted
practically all his spare time to bettering the conditions under which the
airmen work and live. He is highly
respected by officers and airmen and his efforts have contributed largely to
maintaining a high standard of morale that exists in this group.
*
* * * *
ROPER, F/O Frank Adams (J6166) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.207 Squadron-
Award effective 2 November 1942 as per London gazette dated 6
November 1942 and AFRO 272/43 dated 19 February 1943. American in the RCAF. Born in Washington, D.C., 13 January 1920;
home on Long Island, New York. Trained
at No.2 ITS, No.5 EFTS, and No.7 SFTS.
Commissioned July 1941.
Flying Officer Roper, an American volunteer,
is a highly efficient and valuable captain in the squadron. He always takes an interest in his aircraft
and the welfare of his crew and on all occasions shows the greatest keenness to
take part in operations even on successive nights. By his clear judgement, initiative and
leadership, he has set a high example to everyone in the squadron.
NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9604 has
recommendation dated 19 September 1942 when he had flown 30 sorties (149 hours
25 minutes).
27 Nov 41 Dusseldorf
(5.00) 6 May 42 Stuttgart military barracks
7 Dec 41 Aachen
(5.40) (6.15,
unsuccessful, built-
2 Jan 42 St.Nazaire
(6.00) up
area bombed)
5 Jan 42 Brest
(5.00) 8
May 42 Warnemunde (1.50, DNCO,
8 Jan 42 Brest,
cruisers electrical
trouble and
(5.20, target rear
turret u/s)
obscured by smoke) 22 May 42 GARDENING,
Forget-Me-
10 Jan 42 Wilhelmshaven
(6.05) Nots
(5.30)
14 Jan 42 Hamburg
(6.10) 30 May 42 Cologne (4.25)
22 Jan 42 Munster
(5.00) 1 June 42 Essen (3.50)
6 Feb 42 GARDENING,
Nectarines 2 June 42 Essen (3.50)
(4.00) 7
June 42 GARDENING, Nectarines
24 Feb 42 Ghent
(3.25) (3.30)
25 Feb 42 GARDENING,
Nectarines 25 Jun 42 Bremen (2.10, DNCO, stbd
(4.05) outer
failed)
27 Feb 42 GARDENING,
Frisians 27 Jun 42 Bremen (4.55)
(3.40, unsuccessful, 29 Jun 42 Bremen
(5.30)
10/10 cloud) 1
July 42 Danzig (9.35, DNCO,
8 Mar 42 GARDENING
(6.00) petrol
shortage)
10 Mar 42 Essen
(5.15) 2 July
42 Bremen (4.15)
25 Apr 42 Rostock
(6.05) 3 July 42 GARDENING, Asparagus
2 May 42 GARDENING,
Radish (6.05)
(5.45) 8
July 42 Wilhelmshaven (5.15)
Pilot Officer Roper has completed 30
sorties. He is an American volunteer who
has always shown exceptional keenness and enthusiasm for his work and proved
himself to be a highly efficient and valuable captain in the squadron. His
interest in his flight, his crew and aircraft is well above the average, and he
has on all occasions shown the greatest keenness to operate, even on successive
nights.
Any operational duty that he was given was
consistently carried out well, with a spirit of cheerful optimism, and by his
clear judgement and qualities of initiative and leadership, he set a high
example, not only to the members of his crew, but to everyone in the squadron.
*
* * * *
ROPER, P/O Harry Wilson (J94589) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 23 November 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 7 December 1945 and AFRO 244/46 dated 8 March 1946. Born February 1922 in Toronto; home there
(student). Commissioned March 1945. No citation,
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of
which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion
to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.1941
(RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation by W/C H.F. Ferguson dated 22 May 1945
when he had flown 31 sorties (210 hours 25 minutes), 20 September 1944 to 15
March 1945.
Pilot Officer Roper has completed a tour of 31
operational sorties as a Flight Engineer.
His pilot and section leader have always spoken of him as a skilful and
courageous engineer who carried on cheerfully under very trying
circumstances. Pilot Officer Roper
participated on operations as a spare on very short notice without the least
sign of complaint and he has proved to be an inspiration to all who came in
contact with him.
In recognition of this officer's cheerful
attitude towards operations and a job well done, I strongly recommend he be
awarded the Non-Immediate D.F.C.
*
* * * *
ROSCHAERT, Corporal Charles Louis Maurice
(R82567) - British Empire Medal - No.2 SFTS - enlisted at Ottawa, 15
January 1941 - Award effective 28 May 1943 as per London Gazette of that
date, Canada Gazette dated 2 June 1943, and AFRO 1459/43 dated 30 July
1943. Born in Belgium; enlisted January
1941. Home in Ottawa.
Corporal Roschaert has been most assiduous in
the execution of his duties as Airframe Mechanic. He has given whole-hearted support to his
seniors and has inspired enthusiasm in his juniors by his initiative and
devotion to duty. This NCO has, by his
energetic performance of duty, been responsible to a large degree for the
serviceability of aircraft at this unit.
*
* * * *
ROSE, F/L Andrew Haliday (J15757) - Mention
in Despatches - No.410 Squadron - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 155/46 dated 15 February 1946. Trained at No.3 ITS, No.7 AOS and No.7
BGS. Unit identified in AFRO only as
"Overseas"; listed in 410 Squadron: A History. DHist file has recommendation dated 29 April
1945 where name is given as "Halliday"; as of that date he had flown
75 sorties plus three Ranger trips, assisting in destruction of a Ju.88 (7
August 1944) and a Ju.188 (31 December 1944).
Flight Lieutenant Rose has completed two tours
of operations on this unit. He is a very
capable Navigator, and at all times has displayed much keenness and enthusiasm
in his work. On both tours he has been
crewed with Flight Commanders, and on his first tour flew on some of the
squadron's first Ranger trips. He has
flown many operational patrols, often under adverse conditions.
*
* * * *
ROSE, F/O Fredrick William (J23903) - Distinguished
Flying Cross -- No.428 Squadron - Award effective 5 April 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 17 April 1945 and AFRO 918/45 dated 1 June 1945. Born 1919 in Toronto; home in Preston,
Ontario. Trained at No.6 ITS, No.4 BGS
and No.4 AOS. Commissioned February
1943. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost courage and devotion to
duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3260
(RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 17 December 1944 when he had flown
32 sorties (187 hours 25 minutes), 9 May to 6 December 1944.
This officer has displayed exceptional skill,
courage and determination throughout his tour.
His devotion to duty both in the air and on the ground has been
outstanding. He has taken part in
thirty-two sorties, many on heavily defended targets such as Duisburg,
Karlsruhe, Osnabruck, Emden, Bremen, Stettin, Wilhelmshaven, Kiel, Bottrop,
Dortmund, Bochum, Cologne and Neuss as well as precision high level mining and
troop concentrations. His results have
been excellent and he has secured many fine photographs and he is recognized as
one of the outstanding Air Bombers of the squadron.
For his great ability and devotion to duty I
recommend the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
ROSE, F/L Richard John (J12271) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.150 Squadron - Award effective 6 March 1945 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 625/45 dated 13 April 1945. Born 1923 in Toronto; home there
(clerk). Trained at No.1 ITS, No.3 EFTS
and No.1 SFTS. Commissioned 1942.
This officer has completed numerous
operational missions and throughout has set a fine example of devotion to
duty. One night in January 1945 he
piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Munich.
Some distance from the target the aircraft sustained damage making it
difficult to control. In spite of this,
Flight Lieutenant Rose continued his mission.
Later the port outer engine failed.
Height was rapidly lost and the aircraft came down to 1,000 feet. Flight Lieutenant Rose succeeded in regaining
control and, displaying outstanding airmanship, flew the badly damaged aircraft
to base. His skill, coolness and
determination set an excellent example.
*
* * * *
ROSEBLADE, F/L Norman Leslie (J15029) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.190 Squadron - Award effective 9 April 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 17 April 1945 and AFRO 918/45 dated 1 June 1945. Born 1915 in
Sheffield, England; home in Toronto.
Trained at No.1 AOS, No.1 BGS and No.1 ANS. Commissioned 1942.
This officer completed his first tour of duty
as navigator and took part in many sorties demanding a high standard of
navigational ability in adverse weather.
Now on his second tour of duty he participated as a bombing leader in
the D-Day operations in June 1944 and the airborne landings at Arnhem. In addition Flight Lieutenant Roseblade has
flown on many missions to France, the low countries and Norway. Throughout his operational career he has
displayed outstanding qualities of leadership and great devotion to duty.
*
* * * *
ROSEBRUGH, F/O Robert Keith (J37780) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.158 Squadron - Award effective 5 July 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 20 July 1945 and AFRO 1619/45 dated 19 October 1945. Born 1924 at Brantford, Ontario; home in
Galt, Ontario (student). Trained at No.3
ITS and No.4 AOS. Commissioned October
1943. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty". Public Records Office Air
2/9082 has recommendation dated 15 March 1945 when he had flown 34 sorties (203
hours 17 minutes), 25 October 1944 to 11 March 1945. NOTE: sortie list including times almost
identical to that of F/O L.H. Kemp and F/O William W. B. Hyndman suggesting
they were same crew.
25 Oct 44 Essen
(5.18) 3,500
yds overshoot from A/P.
29 Oct 44 Zoutelande
(3.30) 1,200 yds from
aiming point.
30 Oct 44 Cologne
(6.22) Good
attack.
2 Nov 44 Dusseldorf
(5.51) Many fires;
good bombing.
4 Nov 44 Bochum
(4.55) Bombed as
ordered.
6 Nov 44 Gelsenkirchen
(4.39) Bombed target; saw
smoke rising from many fires.
29 Nov 44 Essen
(6.12) Bombed
through cloud.
30 Nov 44 Duisburg
(6.09) do.
2 Dec 44 Hagen
(6.33) do.
5 Dec 44 Soest
(6.17) Bombed
aiming point.
6 Dec 44 Osnabruck
(6.08) Bombed
through clouds.
21 Dec 44 Cologne/Nippes
(5.51) Good attack in cloud.
24 Dec 44 Essen/Mulheim
a/f Bombed airfield.
(4.39)
26 Dec 44 St.Vith
(4.57) Bombed
aiming point.
28 Dec 44 Opladen
(5.41) Bombed
through clouds.
29 Dec 44 Coblenz
(6.03) Bombed
marshalling yard.
30 Dec 44 Cologne
(6.03) Bombed
through clouds.
1 Jan 45 Dortmund
(4.35) Successful
attack.
5 Jan 45 Hanover
(4.57) Bombed in
cloud.
6 Jan 45 Hanau
(6.31) do.
14 Jan 45 Saarbrucken
(6.51) Bombed aiming
point.
16 Jan 45 Magdeburg
(5.58) Many fires
seen; good attack.
4 Feb 45 Gelsenkirchen
(5.23) Attacked in clouds.
7 Feb 45 Goch
(6.36) Recalled
by Master Bomber.
9 Feb 45 Wanne-Eickel
(6.05) Fires seen; good
bombing.
13 Feb 45 Bohlen
(8.29) Bombed
through clouds.
14 Feb 45 Chemnitz
(8.20) Concentrated
fires.
21 Feb 45 Worms
(6.41) Many
fires in target area.
23 Feb 45 Essen
(5.38) Cloud
over target; bombed.
24 Feb 45 Kamen
(5.59) do.
27 Feb 45 Mainz
(6.31) do.
2 Mar 45 Cologne
(5.28) Bombed
aiming point.
5 Mar 45 Chemnitz
(8.35) Bombed
through clouds.
11 Mar 45 Essen
(5.12) Much
smoke from fires; good attack.
Navigational work of the highest quality
carried out by Flying Officer Rosebrugh has enabled him and his crew to complete
a first-class tour of 34 operational sorties against many of the enemy's most
heavily defended targets.
He has attacked such objectives as Chemnitz,
Mainz, Kamen, Bohlen, Hanover and other distant targets where the success of
the operation has been almost entirely due to his accurate navigation. At all times his logs have shown able
workmanship.
In addition to high technical skill, Flying
Officer Rosebrugh has revealed courage of a very high order and his demeanour
under fire has set a worthy example to others in the aircraft. His keen offensive spirit has also been an
inspiring influence throughout the tour.
It is recommended that this officer's record
of skill, courage and devotion to duty be recognized by the award of the
Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
ROSELAND, F/L Arnold Walter (J4116) - Air
Medal (United States) - 11th USAAF (deceased) - Award effective 27 August
1943 as per Canada Gazette dated 4 May 1946 and AFRO 473/46 dated 10 May
1946. Born 31 August 1915. Home in
Vancouver, British Columbia. Enlisted in
Calgary, 29 June 1940; trained at No.1 ITS, No.11 EFTS, and No.2 SFTS
(graduated and commissioned 21 February 1941).
Served in Canada with No.14 (F) Squadron, 1942-43. See Cochand for award details; flights were 26 April to 3 August 1943. Posted overseas January 1944; missing in
action 13 July 1944.
*
* * * *
ROSENBAUM, P/O (now F/O) Eli Maximillian
(J27043) - Air Force Cross - No.168 Squadron (Canada) - Award effective
5 May 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1133/44 dated 26
May 1944. Trained at No.2 ITS, No.8
EFTS, and No.7 SFTS. Incident occurred 3
January 1944; see also F/O H.B. Hillcoat, F/O F.B. Labrish, F/O C.A. Dickson
and Corporal A. De Marco.
This officer was the second pilot of a
Fortress which, while on a routine flight recently from Great Britain to
Gibraltar, had a violent collision with an unidentified aircraft. At the moment of impact this officer retained
a remarkably cool attitude, advising his captain of the damage done, as much as
he could estimate, and then proceeding with the utmost despatch to prepare the
aircraft for ditching. This necessitated
the jettisoning of cargo and all other loose equipment. Assisted only by the crewman, this was
accomplished in the space of approximately four minutes - a remarkable feat in
view of the conditions in which the aircraft was at the time. He then returned to his duties as second
pilot and proved of great assistance in maintaining flight.
*
* * * *
ROSENE, LAC Ernest (R130326) - Mention in
Despatches - Station Croft - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 418/46 dated 18 April 1946. Identified in AFRO as "Overseas".
McEwen papers (CWM) with list of recommendations with MiD recommendations for 1
February to 31 July 1945 identifies unit.
DHist file 181.009 D.4364 (RG.24 Vol.20648) confirms unit and has
recommendation submitted 3 May 1945, CO Croft to CO No.64 Base. Enlisted 28 November 1941; had served one
year in Canada, 30 months overseas.
Fitter 2 (Engines).
This airman employed as a fitter has shown
outstanding aggressiveness in carrying out all duties assigned to him. His efforts furthered by a strong sense of
duty have been of great assistance in turning out the required amount of work
in Repair and Inspection Section.
*
* * * *
ROSKO, Sergeant Henry Arnold Joseph (R53522) -
Mention in Despatches - No.21 Staging Unit - Award effective 14 November
1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2684/44 dated 15
December 1944. Cited with Sergeants
Edward Howard Baker, F. Londeau, Larus
Scheving, Michael George Svos, Ronand James Ward, and Frederick John Wells.
These Sergeants showed complete disregard for
their own safety when assisting in the rescue of fourteen occupants of a large
transport aircraft which crashed recently in British Columbia. The aircraft crashed in a wooded area, which
had windfalls up to fifteen feet. In
order to effect the rescue, they had to work within a few feet of the wreckage,
where there was no chance of escape in the event of explosions, which occurred
shortly after the rescue. As a result of
their able work, eight of the occupants of the burning aircraft were saved.
These airmen displayed outstanding courage and devotion to duty in the face of
grave danger.
*
* * * *
ROSKO, P/O Maurice (J86660) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.578 Squadron - Award effective 5 February 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 20 February 1945 and AFRO 625/45 dated 13 April 1945. Born 1922 in Melrose, Manitoba; home
there. Trained at No.3 BGS. Commissioned 1944.
Pilot Officer Rosko is a courageous air gunner
who has shown a fine fighting spirit throughout his operational tour. He has participated in many attacks against
major German targets and has made a praiseworthy contribution to the successes
achieved by his crew. When engaged on
his second operation against Berlin in January 1944, his aircraft was attacked
and damaged by an enemy fighter and the navigator was wounded. By Pilot Officer Rosko's determined fire the
hostile aircraft was forced to break off the attack. On another mission in March 1944 on the
return flight from a mission to Stuttgart he was forced to abandon his aircraft
by parachute. His pilot, rear gunner and
wireless operator were killed. Undaunted
by this perilous experience, Pilot Officer Rosko resumed operational flying
within a month. His enthusiasm and
determination have been worthy of the highest commendation.
*
* * * *
ROSS, S/L Alan Redmond (J9663) - Commended
for Valuable Services in the Air - Central Flying School - Award effective
23 February 1946 as per London Gazette dated 26 February 1946 and AFRO
280/46 dated 15 March 1946. Enlisted in
Regina, 25 April 1941. Trained at No.4
ITS (graduated 16 August 1941), No.8 EFTS (graduated 7 October 1941), and No.3
SFTS (graduated 2 January 1942).
This officer's exceptional ability as a flying
instructor and his keen insight into pilot training problems have made his
contribution to flying training outstanding.
Whilst engaged at Central Flying School on experimental and testing work
in connection with flying training, he has proven himself a thorough and
tireless worker. His perseverance and
devotion to duty are worthy of high praise.
*
* * * *
ROSS, F/O Allan David (J37009) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.103 Squadron - Award effective 12 November 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 16 November 1945 and AFRO 133/46 dated 8 February 1946. Born July 1922 at Kincaid, Saskatchewan; home
there (farmer). Trained at No.6 ITS, No.12 EFTS and No.1 SFTS. Commissioned October 1943. No citation other than "completed ...numerous
operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably
displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/9137 has
recommendation dated 16 May 1945 when he had flown 31 sorties (205 hours 15
minutes):
4 Dec 44 Karlsruhe 13 Mar 45 Herne
6 Dec 44 Merseburg 15 Mar 45 Misburg
22 Dec 44 Coblenz 16 Mar 45 Nuremburg
29 Dec 44 Scholven
Buer 19 Mar 45 Hanau
2 Jan 45 Nuremburg 21 Mar 45 Bremen
28 Jan 45 Zuffenhausen 22 Mar 45 Hildesheim
1 Feb 45 Ludwigshaven 24 Mar 45 Dortmund
3 Feb 45 Bottrop 9 Apr 45 GARDENING
8 Feb 45 Politz 14 Apr 45 Potsdam
20 Feb 45 Dortmund 18 Apr 45 Heligoland
21 Feb 45 Duisburg 22 Apr 45 Bremen
2 Mar 45 Cologne 24 Apr 45 Berchtesgaden
7 Mar 45 Dessau 28 Apr 45 EXODUS (POW repatriation)
8 Mar 45 Kassel 30 Apr 45 MANNA
11 Mar 45 Essen 2 May 45 MANNA
12 Mar 45 Dortmund
Flying Officer Ross was posted to No.103
Squadron on 18th November 1944 and has completed 31 sorties on Lancaster
aircraft with a total of 205.15 hours operational flying.
In the course of these numerous sorties,
extending over a period of five months, this Canadian officer took part in
attacks on a wide variety of targets in Germany, including the important
centres of Cologne, Essen, Dessau, Dortmund, Duisburg and Kassel. Many of these operations involved long and
arduous flights against heavy air and ground defences, but Flying Officer Ross
invariably pressed home his attacks in the most determined fashion regardless
of enemy opposition.
Under a quiet and unassuming manner, this
young Canadian possesses an inflexible determination and splendid offensive
spirit which has been an inspiration to his crew and an example to the whole
squadron. I strongly recommend that his excellent work be recognized by the
award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
ROSS, Flight Sergeant Allen Lawrence (R95492)
- Distinguished Flying Medal - No.408 Squadron - Award effective 24
March 1943 as per London Gazette dated 6 April 1943 and AFRO 809/43
dated 7 May 1943. Born in Treherne,
Manitoba, 1918; home in Holland, Manitoba (farmer, formerly in Royal Canadian
Artillery). Trained at No.2 ITS, No.18
EFTS, and No.15 SFTS. Commissioned
January 1943. Died in Holland, Manitoba,
20 December 1995.
Flight Sergeant Ross has taken part in 30
sorties against a wide variety of enemy targets. He is a fine operational captain, who
invariably presses home his attacks with great determination. His skill and sound judgement have won the
confidence of all with whom he has flown.
ROSS, F/L Allen Lawrence, DFM (J16986) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 21 September and AFRO 1704/45 dated 9 November 1945. DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612)
has recommendation dated 20 April 1945 when he had flown 17 sorties on his
second tour (123 hours 30 minutes), 4 February to 13 April 1945.
This officer has consistently displayed a high
degree of courage and exceptional devotion to duty. During his two tours of operational duty he
has participated in sorties against many highly fortified objectives. On every occasion he has made a successful
attack. Under his skilled leadership his
crew has become a highly effective and efficient unit, which has contributed to
a major degree to the success of the squadron.
*
* * * *
ROSS, Fl/O Annie Isabel (V30188) - Mention
in Despatches - No.76 Base Headquarters - Award effective 1 January 1946 as
per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 418/46 dated 18 April
1946. Base Catering Officer. Enlisted 6 July 1942; had served one year and
three months and England when recommended (23 June 1945). No published citation; DHist 181.002 D.225
gives following:
This officer has been in charge of catering in
this base since 6th April 1944. During
this time she has, by her cheerful, efficient manner, inspired the personnel
under her to produce the present high standard of messing throughout the Base
which has, in no small way, improved the morale of all personnel. Her professional knowledge is outstanding.
*
* * * *
ROSS, P/O Archie Joseph (J19864) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 17 October 1944 and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born 1918; home in Pitman, Saskatchewan. Formerly in Canadian Army. Trained at No.7 ITS, No.5 BGS and No.3
AOS. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty". DHist file 181.009 D.3260
(RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 24 July 1944 when he had flown 36 sorties
(222 hours 27 minutes), 3 November 1943 to 2 June 1944.
Pilot Officer Ross has completed one tour of
operations, having attacked Berlin, Kassel, Hanover, Frankfurt and many other
targets in Germany and France as well as having carried out many minelaying
operations. He has been very steady, reliable
and cool in emergencies which made him a very strong asset to his crew and as
bomb aimer he has given invaluable aid to the navigator at all times in helping
to direct the plane to the target and safely back to base again.
For loyalty to his crew and squadron and
general good work, I recommend the non-immediate award of the Distinguished
Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
ROSS, G/C Arthur Dwight (C111) - Mention in
Despatches - Middleton St.George - Award effective 14 January 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 874/44 dated 21 April 1944. Unit identified in AFRO only as
"Overseas"; positive unit identification from No.6 Group Monthly
Summary of Operational and Training Activities (January 1944). Born in
Winnipeg, 18 March 1907. Entered Royal Military
College, 1925 and then applied for RCAF.
Awarded flying badge at Camp Borden, 25 February 1929. Many years in aerial survey work and staff
work. Appointed commander, No.5 (BR)
Squadron, 1 July 1939. From August 1940
to March 1942 he was on BCATP staff work and commanding No.3 SFTS. Posted overseas, November 1942. In February 1944 he was promoted to Air
Commodore and given command of No.62 Base.
Remained in postwar RCAF, retiring 9 February 1961. Medals with Canadian War Museum (AN 19850460-001). No citation.
ROSS, A/C Arthur Dwight (C111) - Officer,
Order of the British Empire - Middleton St.George (AFRO gives unit only as
"Overseas") - Award effective 8 June 1944 as per London Gazette
of that date and AFRO 1729/44 dated 11 August 1944. No citation with OBE in Canadian sources.
Public Records Office Air 2/9148 has recommendation for a DSO when he was a
Group Captain. He was reported as having
flown 72 sorties (385 operational hours) although most of this had been in
Canada. The recommendation was converted
from a DSO to an OBE (for more see Clayton, A.C.P.); the original text, as
brought to Air Ministry Honours and Awards Committee, was as follows:
Group Captain Ross has served in the Royal
Canadian Air Force continuously for 15 ½ years and has
held several important commands during the present war. Prior to commanding his
present unit he commanded a squadron on ant-submarine and convoy escort duty on
the east coast of Canada. Since December 1942 he has commanded the Royal
Canadian Air Force Station at Middleton St.George, showing outstanding ability
as a leader and an administrator. By his participation in sorties against
Lorient, Hamburg and St.Nazaire, he has set a splendid example to all ranks.
ROSS, A/C Arthur Dwight ((C111) - George
Cross - Overseas (No.62 Base, Linton-on-Ouse) - Award effective 27 October
1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 293/45 dated 16
February 1945. GC event also led to
award of George Medal to FS J.R.M. St.Germain and Corporal M. Marquet, and BEM
to LACs M.M. McKenzie and R.R. Wolfe.
Incident occurred 27/28 June 1944 at Tholthorpe.
One night in June 1944, an aircraft, while
attempting to land, crashed into another which was parked in the dispersal area
and fully loaded with bombs. The former
aircraft had broken into three parts and was burning furiously. Air Commodore Ross was at the airfield to
attend the return of aircraft from operations and the interrogation of
aircrews. Flight Sergeant St.Germain, a
bomb aimer, had just returned from an operational sortie and Corporal Marquet
was in charge of the night ground crew, whilst Leading Aircraftmen McKenzie and
Wolfe were members of the crew of the crash tender. Air Commodore Ross, with the assistance of
Corporal Marquet, extricated the pilot who had sustained severe injuries. At that moment ten 500-pound bombs in the
second aircraft, about 80 yards away, exploded, and this officer and airman
were hurled to the ground. When the hail
of debris had subsided, cries were heard from the rear turret of the crashed
aircraft. Despite further explosions
from bombs and petrol tanks which might have occurred, Air Commodore Ross and
Corporal Marquet returned to the blazing wreckage and endeavoured in vain to
swing the turret to release the rear gunner.
Although the port tail plane was blazing furiously, Air Commodore Ross
hacked at the perspex with an axe and then handed the axe through the turret to
the rear gunner who enlarged the aperture.
Taking the axe again the Air Commodore, assisted now by Flight Sergeant
St.Germain as well as by Corporal Marquet, finally broke the perspex steel
frame supports and extricated the rear gunner.
Another 500-pound bomb exploded which threw the three rescuers to the
ground. Flight Sergeant St.Germain
quickly rose and threw himself upon a victim to shield him from flying
debris. Air Commodore Ross' arm was
practically severed between the wrist and elbow by the second explosion. He calmly walked to the ambulance and an
emergency amputation was performed on arrival at station sick quarters. Meanwhile, Corporal Marquet had inspected the
surroundings and, seeing petrol running down towards two nearby aircraft,
directed their removal from the vicinity by tractor. Leading Aircraftmen McKenzie and Wolfe
rendered valuable assistance in trying to bring the fire under control and they
also helped to extricate the trapped rear gunner, both being seriously injured
by flying debris. Air Commodore Ross
showed fine leadership and great heroism in an action which resulted in the
saving of the lives of the pilot and rear gunner. He was ably assisted by Flight Sergeant
St.Germain and Corporal Marquet who both displayed courage of a high order. Valuable service was also rendered by Leading
Aircraftmen McKenzie and Wolfe in circumstances of great danger.
ROSS, A/C Arthur Dwight, GC (C111) - Commander,
Order of the British Empire - AFHQ (RCAF Staff College) - Award effective
13 June 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 660/46 dated 5
July 1946. Following citation was found
in Governor General's Records, RG.7 Group 26, Vol.60, File 190-I (dossier 9).
Air Commodore Ross has given many years of
loyal service to the Royal Canadian Air Force.
He has been entrusted with a number of important commands during the
war, including an operational squadron, Service Flying Training School,
Operational Station and, finally, an Operational Base in the United
Kingdom. He has always been devoted to
the service and has displayed those qualities of leadership and courage which
have been an inspiration to his colleagues and those serving under his
command. His integrity, sound judgement
and energy have made a splendid contribution to the war effort. In 1945 he was selected as Commandant of the
Royal Canadian Air Force Staff College in which capacity he wields a valuable
influence on the careers of those officers under training upon whom the future
of the service will largely depend.
*
* * * *
ROSS, F/L Arthur Stuart (C8323) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.193 Squadron - Award effective 25 July 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 2052/44 dated 22 September 1944. Born in 1917 in Montreal; home there. Educated at Lower Canada College, Montreal,
and South Beyfield, Massachusetts.
Enlisted 1940. Commissioned 15
October 1941. Posted overseas February
1942; repatriated 10 October 1944; released 3 August 1945.
This officer has participated in a very large
number of sorties, including attacks on enemy airfields, shipping, railways and
mechanical transport. He is a skilful
and courageous pilot whose determination to press home his attacks, often in
the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, has been most praiseworthy. In air fighting Flight Lieutenant Ross has
destroyed two enemy aircraft.
ROSS, F/L Arthur Stuart, DFC (C8323) - Croix
de Guerre with Silver Star (France) - No.193 Squadron - Award as per AFRO
485/47 dated 12 September 1947.
*
* * * *
ROSS, Corporal Donald (R133046) - Mention
in Despatches - Skipton-on-Swale - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1647/45 dated 26 October 1945. Born 21 May 1917; enlisted 26 September
1941. Posted overseas January 1943;
repatriated 2 June 1945; released 2 September 1945. No citation in AFRO. DHist file 181.009 D.2619 (RG.24 Vol.20628)
has recommendation forwarded 1 February 1945 to No.63 Base HQ when he had
served 16 months in Canada, 24 months overseas.
As a junior NCO, Corporal Ross displays
exceptional initiative and resourcefulness.
In the past he has been entrusted with the major task of embodying
modifications on all aircraft on this Unit within a limited period and to
interfere with the flying program as little as possible. He has never failed, although it has meant
astute organization, working nights on dispersal points under adverse
conditions and few facilities. Many
Section Commanders of the ancillary trades have commented favourably about him
and have learned to trust and rely upon him where co-ordination between those
trades is necessary.
*
* * * *
ROSS, Corporal Donald MacGregor (R87820) - Mention
in Despatches - No.429 Squadron (AFRO gives unit as Station Leeming) -
Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date
and AFRO 1647/45 dated 26 October 1945.
Enlisted 21 January 1941. No
citation in AFRO. DHist file 181.009
D.2619 (RG.24 Vol.20628) has recommendation forwarded to No.6 Group HQ, 12
February 1945 when he was a Rigger in "A" Flight, No.429
Squadron. Had served 26 months in
Canada, 23 months in UK.
As NCO in charge an operational aircraft,
Corporal Ross has established a serviceability record that has always been a
mark for other crews "to shoot at".
Corporal Ross combines all the attributes of an efficient tradesman and
competent NCO. His reliability and
determination has done much towards maintaining the service efficiency of the
squadron his section services.
*
* * * *
ROSS, F/L George (C2957) - Commended for
Valuable Services in the Air - No.1 AOS - Award effective 1 January 1945 as
per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 89/45 dated 19 January 1945.
This officer has displayed outstanding ability
and meritorious service in his capacity as squadron commander. At all times he displays a keen interest in
the students and their flying training and, by his untiring devotion to duty,
has accomplished much on their behalf.
*
* * * *
ROSS, W/C George Morrison (C635) - Commended
for Valuable Services in the Air - No.3 Bombing and Gunnery School - Award
effective 1 January 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and
AFRO 82/46 dated 25 January 1946.
Enlisted in Ottawa, 5 October 1932.
Retired as of award.
This officer, during his lengthy career,
flying with the Royal Canadian Air Force, has shown remarkable qualities of
leadership, and exceptional flying ability.
He has been at all times an outstanding example to his
subordinates. His ability along the administrative lines connected with a flying
squadron have definitely been a deciding factor in the success of any unit to
which he has been attached.
*
* * * *
ROSS, WO (now P/O) Jack Robert
(R178408/J92889) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.7 Squadron - Award
effective 15 March 1945 as per London Gazette dated 27 March 1945 and
AFRO 1127/45 dated 6 July 1945. Born
1924 in Scotland, Alberta; home in Innisfail, Alberta (assistant agent to
CPR). Trained at No.7 ITS, No.5 BGS and No.1
CNS. Commissioned December 1944. No citation other than "completed...many
successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill,
fortitude and devotion to duty."
Public Records Office Air 2/9051 has recommendation dated 20 December
1944 when he had flown 46 sorties (178 hours 20 minutes), 10 May to 12 December
1944.
10 May 44 Courtrai
(2.50) 9 Aug 44 Foret d'Emglos (2.40)
19 May 44 Le
Mans (5.20) 11
Aug 44 Lens (3.25)
21 May 44 Duisburg
(5.05) 12 Aug 44 Brunswick (5.00)
24 May 44 Boulogne
(1.45) 14 Aug 44 Hamel (3.35)
27 May 44 Aachen
(3.50)
28 May 44 Angers
(6.45)
3 June 44 Calais
(1.55) PATHFINDER
SORTIES
6 June 44 Caen
(3.10)
6 June 44 Liseaux
(2.50) 6 Oct 44 Scholven Buer (3.15)
10 Jun 44 Dreux
(4.20) 7 Oct
44 Emmerich (3.10)
12 Jun 44 Gelsenkirchen
(3.30) 12 Oct 44 Wanne Eickel (3.40)
14 Jun 44 Le
Havre (2.55) 14
Oct 44 Duisburg (4.10)
15 Jun 44 Valenciennes
(3.20) 15 Oct 44 Wilhelmshaven (4.15)
30 Jun 44 Villers
Bocage (3.20) 28 Oct 44 West Kapelle (2.00)
2 July 44 Beauvoir
(3.30) 29 Oct 44 West Kapelle (2.00)
5 July 44 Watton
(2.20) 30 Oct
44 Cologne (4.20)
10 Jul 44 Nucourt
(3.20) 31 Oct
44 Cologne (3.55)
15 Jul 44 Chalons
sur Marne (6.20) 4 Nov 44 Bochum (4.15)
18 Jul 44 Emieuille
(3.05) 6 Nov 44 Gelsenkirchen (3.35)
18 Jul 44 Aulnoye
(3.35) 18 Nov
44 Wanne Eickel (5.00)
20 Jul 44 Homberg
(3.35) 21 Nov 44 Sterkrade (4.15)
23 Jul 44 Kiel
(5.05) 4
Dec 44 Karlsruhe (5.05)
24 Jul 44 Stuttgart
(7.25) 5 Dec 44 Soest (5.05)
30 Jul 44 Amaye
sur Suelles (3.40) 6 Dec 44 Osnabruck (5.10)
8 Aug 44 Foret
de Lucheux (3.05) 12 Dec 44 Essen (4.35)
This non-commissioned officer is on his second
operational tour, having so far completed 17 of his 46 successful sorties on
this squadron; he has on three occasions operated as a member of a Marker Crew.
Of a quiet disposition, Warrant Officer Ross
has nevertheless at all times shown a dogged determination to carry out his
duties, and his high standard of efficiency as an air bomber helped materially
in the success with which the crew of which he is a member have always
operated.
Always willing and cheerful, he has a complete
disregard of personal safety and this has inspired the utmost confidence of his
captain and the remainder of the crew.
*
* * * *
ROSS, F/O John Alfred (C3556) - Mention in
Despatches - Award effective 1 January 1942 as per London Gazette of
that date and AFRO 142/42 dated 30 January 1942. Home in Moncton; enlisted there, 16 November
1940.
*
* * * *
ROSS, FS (now P/O) John Murdock
(R207165/J90151) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.424 Squadron - Award
effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 19 January 1945 and
AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born
1924 in Bainsville, Ontario; home there (mechanic). Trained at No.3 BGS. Commissioned 1944. No citation other than that he has
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty." DHist file 181.009 D.2609 (RG.24 Vol.20627) has recommendation
dated 23 October 1944 when he had completed 35 sorties (168 hours 20 minutes)
from 22 May to 23 September 1944.
Flight Sergeant Ross has completed a tour of
operations which have included many difficult sorties over heavily defended
targets. Throughout his tour he has
shown great coolness and confidence, two essential qualities that have made him
a most valuable member of aircraft crew.
His duties in the gunnery section and ground work outside have been
commented on by old and new members of the squadron as a gunner who has always
displayed coolness and devotion to duty of a high order.
*
* * * *
ROSS, F/O John Thomson (J85482) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - Award effective 19 February 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 1 March 1946 and AFRO 418/46 dated 18 April 1946. Born 1920 in Dundee, Scotland; home in Jersey
City, United States. Trained at No.5 ITS
and No.6 BGS. Commissioned February
1944.
This officer has completed, as air gunner,
numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which he has invariably
displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.
*
* * * *
ROSS, F/L Robert Gordon (J28357) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 15 March 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 23 March 1945 and AFRO 721/45 dated 27 April 1945. Born 1922 in Oxford, Nova Scotia; home there
(machinist). Trained at No.5 ITS, No.4
BGS and No.9 AOS. Commissioned July
1943. No citation other than
"completed...many successful operations against the enemy in which [he
has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637)
has recommendation dated 10 December 1944 when he had flown 34 sorties (196
hours 25 minutes), 29 March to 21 November 1944.
In the air Flight Lieutenant Ross has shown
great courage and exceptional ability and skill as an Air Bomber. He has flown 34 sorties, many of which were
on heavily defended targets such as Stuttgart, Brunswick, Stettin, Bremen,
Kiel, Domburg, Castrop, Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen and on targets requiring
precision bombing. He has successfully
bombed each and has secured many excellent photographs.
As Bombing Leader he has displayed exceptional
leadership and has maintained a high standard of efficiency in his
section. His outstanding ability and
strong sense of duty have contributed to a major degree in the operational
efficiency of the unit.
*
* * * *
ROSS, F/O Robert Knox (J50545) - Mention in
Despatches - No.145 (BR) Squadron - Award effective 21 April 1945 as per Canada
Gazette of that date and AFRO 802/45 dated 11 May 1945. Home in Thornloe, Ontario; enlisted in North
Bay, Ontario, 4 August 1941. Trained at
No.4 WS (graduated 6 July 1942) and No.2 BGS (graduated 3 August 1942).
This officer has flown approximately 700
operational hours over the North Atlantic.
At all times he has proved himself to be a most valuable and
co-operative crew member. He has consistently displayed courage and devotion to
duty of the highest order. His
contribution to the morale and efficiency of his squadron is deserving of the
highest praise.
*
* * * *
ROSS, F/O Robert Russell (J10006) - Mention
in Despatches - Overseas - Award effective 8 June 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1729/44 dated 11 August 1944. Trained at No.2 WS and No.3 BGS. No citation in AFRO.
*
* * * *
ROSS, WO William Donald (R60211) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.148 Squadron - Award effective 1 February 1943 as per London
Gazette dated 5 February 1943 and AFRO 373/43 dated 5 March 1943. Trained at No.2 ITS, No.5 EFTS, and No.4
SFTS.
Since February 1942, Warrant Officer Ross has
taken part continuously in operational flying.
He has participated in fourteen bombing raids on Tobruk, pressing home
his attacks regardless of opposition. On
one occasion he attacked from 10,000 feet despite having a crippled
aircraft. In addition this officer has
made several raids on the enemy's transport in the battle area. At all times his devotion to duty has set a
fine example to his crew.
NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/8933 has the
earlier text of the recommendation for a non-immediate award, sent on 21
December 1942 from Headquarters, Royal Air Force, Middle East to Air Ministry.
This pilot joined No.148 Squadron on 6th
February 1942 and has operated continuously against the enemy since that date,
carrying out in all 41 sorties.
His devotion to duty was an example to his
crew. He carried out 14 bombing raids on Tobruk and despite difficulties
encountered, always pressed home his attacks.
On 7th August he bombed ships at Tobruk through 5/10s cloud and dropped
two sticks. On 13th September, despite unserviceable intercommunication, he
attacked the defences at Tobruk at 10,000 feet. On the 13th July, bombing
Tobruk from 10,000 feet, he caused a large explosion and four fires developed
from this. On 18th September he scored a direct hit on a ship in Tobruk harbour
and debris was seen flying up into the air.
He has also carried out several successful
attacks on motor transport in the battle area, causing four fires on 2nd July
and another one in a raid on 4th September.
*
* * * *
ROSS, G/C William Waldon Scott (C638) - Mention
in Despatches - Station Torbay - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per Canada
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1127/45 dated 6 July 1945. Home in Winnipeg. Joined RCAF 17 June 1933 as Pilot Officer,
Non-Permanent General List. Qualified
for pilot's wings, 27 April 1936. Active
in summer camps at Shilo, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, and 1939, plus armament
course (1937) and army co-operation course (1938). Had earned Air Efficiency Award, 26 February
1945. Died in Winnipeg, 23 March 1952,
age 47.
Throughout his service in Eastern Air Command,
Group Captain Ross has, by his enthusiasm, tact and leadership, contributed to
a large extent to the high morale and good discipline prevalent in his
Command. He has provided an inspiration
and example to all personnel that is worthy of high praise. His devotion to duty has been of a very high
order.
*
* * * *
ROTH, S/L Arthur Noel (C3592) - Mention in
Despatches - No.62 Base - Award effective 1 January 1945 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 337/45 dated 23 February 1945. DHist file 181.009 D.1719 (PAC RG.24
Vol.20606) has recommendation dated 31 July 1944. Born 1908 in England; home in London,
Ontario. Commissioned 1940. Base
Armament Officer, enlisted 26 September 1930.
Served in Canada 13 years, in UK ten months.
Flight Lieutenant Roth is the Base Armament
Officer at No.62 (RCAF) Base, having been employed as an Armament Officer at
this Base since September 1943, when he arrived from Canada. This officer enlisted September 26, 1930 and
made twelve operational flights with No.10 (BR) Squadron from Gander,
Newfoundland, as an Air Observer. In the
early hours of June 28th, 1944, Flight Lieutenant Roth arrived at the scene of
an aircraft crash at RCAF Station Tholthorpe shortly after a bombed-up aircraft
had exploded. In the dark and with a
complete disregard for his personal safety, he conducted a search for
unexploded bombs despite the fact that some bombs were known to have already
exploded from the intense heat. He
located several fuzed bombs, all of which were hot from the explosion and
fire. He then, assisted by another
officer and two non-commissioned officers, removed two hot bombs fuzed long
delay to a safe area and assisted in their demolition. This officer courageously exposed himself to
danger over a period of several hours and is extremely worthy of commendation.
ROTH, S/L Arthur Noel (C3592) - Member,
Order of the British Empire - No.62 Base (AFRO gives unit only as
"Overseas") - Award effective 17 July 1945 as per London Gazette
of that date and AFRO 1453/45 dated 14 September 1945. Public Records Office
Air 30/186 has citation as submitted to Buckingham Palace which is essentially
the same as below except for the opening sentence, "On the morning of 8th
March 1945, Squadron Leader Roth, the Base armament officer, was informed that
a No.37 pistol with an anti-removal device..."
One morning in March 1945, Squadron Leader
Roth, an armament officer, was informed that a delayed action anti-removal
device fitted into a 500-pound bomb stored in the bomb dump showed red stains,
indicating that it was in a precarious condition. He immediately conducted a swift examination
and discovered that the missile had been placed on the bomb dup the previous
evening, that it had a six hour delay, and that no one knew when the ampoule
had been broken. Consequently there was
no way of telling when the mechanism might be actuated, causing the bomb to
explode. It was located in a storage bay
with a 1,000-pound bomb fused with a long delay device and in one of the
adjoining bays were 168,000 pounds of normally-fused bombs and a quantity of
unfused bombs were in two other adjacent bays.
It was apparent that the whole bomb dump and the station were in grave
danger. Squadron Leader Roth decided
that an attempt must be made to remove the bomb despite all hazards. He commandeered a mobile crane and, with the
assistance of the driver, succeeded in lifting the missile on to a
trolley. Others then assisted him to
move the trolley by hand for some fifty yards.
Squadron Leader Roth then obtained a tractor and towed the trolley to an
open field about 800 yards away. In the
meantime armament personnel had collected the necessary demolition equipment
and the bomb was eventually successfully demolished. Squadron Leader Roth had displayed courage
and initiative in the face of danger and, as a result of his action, great
damage and some loss of life were in all probability avoided.
*
* * * *
ROTHENBUSH, F/L Jack Warren (J13048) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 21 September 1945 and AFRO 1704/45 dated 9 November
1945. Born 1918 in Winnipeg; home in
Vancouver (bookkeeper, labourer, ex-Royal Canadian Artillery). Trained at No.2 ITS, No.19 EFTS and No.10
SFTS. Commissioned July 1942. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty." DHist file 181.009 D.1941
(RG.9 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 3 April 1945 when he had flown 24
sorties (164 hours 15 minutes), 28 October 1944 to 31 March 1945.
Flight Lieutenant Rothenbush has completed numerous
operations against the enemy, the majority of which were attacks carried out
against heavily defended major German targets.
Throughout his tour, Flight Lieutenant Rothenbush has at all times
displayed great keenness, determination and devotion to duty. On several
occasions under harassing circumstances he has pressed home the attack with
tenaciousness and unswerving determination.
His skill, loyalty and gallantry has been an incentive and example to
other members of the squadron.
*
* * * *
ROTHWELL, F/L Warren Randall (C22927) - Mention
in Despatches - Overseas - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1478/45 dated 21 September 1945.
*
* * * *
ROTSTEIN, F/L Lorne Albert (J21910) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 23 November 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 4 December and AFRO 212/46 dated 1 March 1946. Born October 1920 in Toronto; home there
(clerk). Trained at No.6 ITS and No.1
AOS. Commissioned September 1942. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in which [he has]
invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty".
DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 27 April
1945 when he had flown 31 sorties (178 hours), 2 October 1943 to 8 August 1944.
Flight Lieutenant Rotstein has completed 31
trips as Navigator on heavy bombers in a most praiseworthy and commendable
fashion. His coolness and courage,
coupled with his meticulous work carried out even under the most adverse
circumstances, have safely brought his aircraft back from such targets as
Hanover, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Aachen and Berlin.
On at least three occasions he was faced [sic, forced], through
the loss of other aids, to navigate deep into enemy territory solely on Astro.
Flight Lieutenant Rotstein's skill and
determination on operations, coupled with his cheerful helping of junior crews,
have done much to boost the efficiency and morale of the squadron. He is deserving of the highest praise...
*
* * * *
ROULSTON, F/O Kenneth Charles (J26466) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 5 July 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 20 July 1945 and AFRO 1619/45 dated 19 October 1945. Born 1923 in London, Ontario; home there
(student). Trained at No.5 ITS, No.10
EFTS and No.2 SFTS. Commissioned May
1943. No citation other than "completed...numerous
operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably
displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612)
has recommendation dated 21 March 1945 when he had flown 32 sorties (198 hours
15 minutes), 12 August 1944 to 21 February 1945.
This officer has shown exceptional qualities
as a leader and great coolness, courage and determination. Throughout his tour of operations he has
evinced a desire to press home the attack and, although attacking many heavy
defended targets, he has shown no regard for enemy opposition and has
successfully dropped his bombs every time.
His obvious ability and great coolness tended
to make his crew a valuable unit to the betterment of the squadron as a whole
and contributed highly to the operational efficiency.
*
* * * *
ROULSTON, F/L Robert Keith (J10395) - Mention
in Despatches - No.161 Squadron (Canada) - now overseas - Award effective 8
June 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1380/44 dated 30
June 1944. Born in London, Ontario;
educated there; employed by Kelvinator Refrigerator Company there; enlisted
there in April 1940. Trained at No.1
ITS, No.1 EFTS, and No.2 SFTS (wings, November 1940). As of award had flown
2,270:50 hours, including 249 operational hours (33 sorties).
This officer has been a very keen and
efficient operational pilot who has executed his duties under all conditions in
a most cheerful manner, which has been a great inspiration to his comrades.
*
* * * *
ROUSSELL, F/L Joseph Ludger Aurele (J20230) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.414 Squadron - Award effective 23 March as per London
Gazette dated 3 April 1945 and AFRO 765/45 dated 4 May 1945. Born 1923 at
Matapedia, Quebec; home there (farm labourer).
Trained at No.3 ITS, No.11 EFTS and No.13 SFTS. Commissioned October 1942. In postwar RCAF and CAF: awarded Officer,
Order of Military Merit, as per Canada Gazette dated 22 June 1974 when
he was a Colonel.
Since joining his present squadron this
officer has taken part in a large number of sorties. Many of his missions have been completed in
the face of strong enemy anti-aircraft fire from heavily defended areas. Prior to the invasion of France Flight
Lieutenant Roussell flew on two outstanding fighter sorties against an enemy
installation near Dieppe. These were
successfully completed in the face of intense and accurate ground fire. Flight Lieutenant Roussell has proved himself
on many occasions to be fearless and a skilful pilot.
*
* * * *
ROUTLEDGE, P/O George Arnold (J92661) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.158 Squadron - Award effective 10 May 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 25 May 1945 and AFRO 1291/45 dated 10 August 1945. Born October 1912 in Regina; home in Ottawa
(student). Trained at No.5 ITS, No.13 EFTS and No.5 SFTS. Commissioned
November 1944. No citation other
than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of
which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion
to duty." Public Records Office Air
2/9070 has recommendation dated 15 February 1945 when he had flown 32 sorties
(162 hours 23 minutes), 28 July 1944 to 4 February 1945. Died in Ottawa, 12 June 1992.
28 Jul 44 Foret
de Nieppe (3.56) Formation of
bombers
30 Jul 44 Battle
area (4.31) Abandoned on
orders of Master Bomber.
11 Aug 44 Etaples
(3.51) Bombed
aiming point.
14 Aug 44 TRACTABLE
21A (4.07) do.
16 Aug 44 Kiel
(4.48) Good
bombing.
18 Aug 44 Sterkrade
(4.49) Many fires;
bombed target indicators.
27 Aug 44 Homberg
(4.20) Bombed aiming
point.
31 Aug 44 La
Pourchinte (3.25) Ordered by
master bomber to abandon.
3 Sept 44 Soersterberg
(2.55) Bombed aiming point.
9 Sept 44 Le
Havre (4.27) Recalled
by master bomber.
12 Sep 44 Gelsenkirchen
(4.27) Good results.
13 Sep 44 Gelsenkirchen
(4.39) Bombed as ordered.
15 Sep 44 Kiel
(5.00) Successful
attack in cloud.
7 Oct 44 Kleve
(4.25) Bombed
aiming point.
30 Oct 44 Cologne
(6.10) Bombed through
cloud.
2 Nov 44 Dusseldorf
(5.31) Good attack; many
fires.
4 Nov 44 Bochum
(4.55) Bombed
target.
6 Nov 44 Gelsenkirchen
(4.29) Good attack.
16 Nov 44 Julich
(4.45) Bombed
aiming point.
28 Dec 44 Opladen
(5.26) Successful.
29 Dec 44 Coblenz
(5.56) Bombed aiming
point.
30 Dec 44 Cologne
(6.21) Bombed through
clouds.
1 Jan 45 Dortmund
(4.27) Good attack.
2 Jan 45 Ludwigshaven
(6.09) Bombed aiming point.
5 Jan 45 Hanover
(5.10) Attacked
through clouds.
6 Jan 45 Hanau
(6.23) Many
clouds seen below clouds.
14 Jan 45 Saarbrucken
(6.56) Good attack.
22 Jan 45 Gelsenkirchen
(5.01) Bombed through cloud.
28 Jan 45 Stuttgart
(8.02) do.
1 Feb 45 Mainz
(6.29) Good
bombing; cloud.
2 Feb 45 Wanne
Eickel (4.58) Successful
sortie.
4 Feb 45 Gelsenkirchen
(5.35) Bombed through clouds.
Pilot Officer Routledge has completed 32
operational sorties as an air bomber with No.158 Squadron. He has bombed such heavily defended targets
as Gelsenkirchen, Mainz, Stuttgart, Hanau, Hanover, Dortmund, Coblenz and
Dusseldorf, and many other precision objectives in the battle areas and
occupied territories.
Possessed of a fine offensive spirit, this
officer has shown complete disregard for any personal safety in his
determination to press home his attacks upon the enemy. His fearlessness in the face of the severest
defences has set an example of the highest order and has contributed greatly to
the high morale of the crew.
Pilot Officer Routledge has been a valuable
member of his section in every way and his work on the ground and in the air is
worthy of the highest commendation. It
is recommended that this officer's fine operational record of courage and
unfailing devotion to duty be recognized by the award of the Distinguished
Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
ROUTLEDGE, P/O John Denison (J19988) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - Award effective 19 June 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 27 June 1944 and AFRO 1861/44 dated 25 August 1944. Born Mission City, British Columbia, 1922;
home there. Trained at No.7 BGS and No.2
WS. Commissioned 1944. No citation other than "completed...many
successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill,
fortitude and devotion to duty." Public
Records Office Air 2/8780 has recommendation by W/C R.J. Lane dated 23 March
1944 when he had flown 46 sorties (308 hours 28 minutes) as follows:
*
daylight sortie
20 June 42 Dinghy
search, 9
Dec 42 Turin (3.15, early
North Sea (6.15) return)
11 Aug 42 NICKELLING,
Vichy (7.25) 20 Dec 42 Duisburg (4.35)
15 Aug 42 GARDENING,
Frisians (4.00) 16 Jan 43 Berlin (7.25)
27 Aug 42 Kassel
(4.55) 17
Jan 43 Berlin (7.00)
28 Aug 42 Nuremburg
(6.40) 27
Jan 43 Dusseldorf (5.30)
6 Sept 42 Duisburg
(4.00) 30
Jan 43 Hamburg (6.30)
8 Sept 42 Frankfurt
(6.25) 1
Feb 43 Wilhelmshaven (5.55)
10 Sept 42 Dusseldorf
(4.20) 13
Feb 43 Lorient (6.40)
13 Sept 42 Bremen
(4.10) 20
Dec 43 Frankfurt (5.20)
14 Sept 42 Wilhelmshaven
(4.10) 23 Dec
43 Berlin (7.30)
16 Sept 42 Essen
(4.55) 29
Dec 43 Berlin (6.10)
18 Sept 42 GARDENING,
Gulf of Danzig 1 Jan 44 Berlin (6.55)
(9.35) 2
Jan 44 Berlin (7.20)
23 Sept 42 Wismar
(6.35) 5
Jan 44 Stettin (9.10)
24 Sept 42 Kullen
(7.25) 20
Jan 44 Berlin (7.10)
1 Oct 42 Wismar
(6.15) 21
Jan 44 Magdeburg (6.45)
13 Oct 42 Kiel
(5.35) 27
Jan 44 Berlin (7.15)
15 Oct 42 Cologne
(4.50) 28
Jan 44 Berlin (7.30)
17 Oct 42 Le
Creusot (10.15)* 30
Jan 44 Berlin (6.00)
22 Oct 42 Genoa
(9.25) 15
Feb 44 Berlin (6.40)
24 Oct 42 Milan
(9.35)* 25
Feb 44 Augsburg (6.45)
15 Nov 42 Genoa
(8.10) 1
Mar 44 Stuttgart (6.55)
28 Nov 42 Turin
(8.40) 15
Mar 44 Stuttgart (6.30)
8 Dec 42 Turin
(8.10) 18
Mar 44 Frankfurt (4.50)
This officer is a highly efficient Air Gunner
who has completed 46 operational sorties against such heavily defended enemy
targets as Berlin, Frankfurt and Stettin.
In the face of extreme danger this officer has shown courage of a high
order and has nt been deterred from successfully completing his missions. His fine example has ben an inspiration to
those less experienced than himself and to the squadron generally. Strongly recommended for the award of the
Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
ROUTLEDGE, F/O Robert Henry (J12275) - Air
Force Cross - No.4 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron - Award effective 6
January 1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 132/45
dated 26 January 1945. Enlisted in
Calgary, 26 July 1941. Trained at No.2
ITS (graduated 20 December 1941), No.3 AOS (graduated 28 March 1942), No.2 BGS
(graduated 9 May 1942) and No.1 ANS (graduated 14 July 1942). As of recommendation had flown 1,010 hours,
401 operational hours.
This navigation officer, since becoming a
member of this squadron, has continued to display great keenness and ability in
the execution of his duties and has set a splendid example as a navigator. His energetic and capable efforts have done
much in maintaining the high standard of navigation in this squadron. The manner in which he has completed many
arduous operational patrols is praiseworthy.
*
* * * *
ROW, F/L Daniel Nicholson (C16030) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.7 Squadron - Award effective 24 May 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 2 June 1944 and AFRO 1444/44 dated 7 July 1944. Born Smith Falls, Ontario, 1910; home in
Almonte, Ontario. Commissioned
1942. No citation other than
"completed...many successful operations against the enemy in which [he
has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty". Public Records Office Air 2/9149 has
recommendation dated 20 February 1944 when he had flown 38 sorties (234 hours
five minutes), 24 June 1943 to 15 February 1944. The sortie sheet lists only 35 trips,
however.
24 Jun 43 Elberfeld
(4.55) 23
Sept 43 Darmstadt (6.00)
28 Jun 43 Cologne
(4.20) 27
Sept 43 Hanover (4.45)
13 Jul 43 Aachen
(5.05) 29
Sept 43 Bochum (4.10)
25 Jul 43 Essen
(4.00) 2
Oct 43 Munich (8.15)
27 Jul 43 Hamburg
(6.25) 7
Oct 43 Friedrichshaven (6.20)
29 Jul 43 Hamburg
(6.00) 8
Oct 43 Hanover (4.35)
9 Aug 43 Mannheim
(5.20) 18
Oct 43 Hanover (4.50)
12 Aug 43 Milan
(7.55) 20
Oct 43 Leipzig (5.20)
13 Aug 43 Milan
(8.40) 22
Oct 43 Frankfurt (6.05)
15 Aug 43 Milan
(7.55) 3
Nov 43 Cologne (4.10)
17 Aug 43 Peenemunde
(7.10) 26 Nov 43 Berlin (7.35)
23 Aug 43 Berlin
(6.45) 2
Jan 44 Berlin (7.15)
30 Aug 43 Munchen
Gladbach (3.35) 21 Jan 44 Magdeburg (7.00)
31 Aug 43 Berlin
(7.15) 27
Jan 44 Berlin (8.40)
3 Sept 43 Berlin
(8.20) 28
Jan 44 Berlin (8.20)
5 Sept 43 Mannheim
(5.50) 30
Jan 44 Berlin (6.20)
6 Sept 43 Munich
(7.50) 15
Feb 44 Berlin (6.55)
22 Sep 43 Oldenburg
(4.35)
Flight Lieutenant Row has completed 38 operational
sorties with the Pathfinder Force, 29 of which have been as Marker.
Flight Lieutenant Row has been Wireless
Operator to a crew which has carried out many successful sorties against all
the recent targets in Germany. His
cheerful confidence and ability are most praiseworthy and have set a fine
example to the more junior Wireless Operators in the squadron, to whose
training he has devoted much time and interest.
This officer has at all times displayed an
exceptionally fine spirit and resourcefulness in the completion of his
operational duties.
*
* * * *
ROWAN, F/O Frank Harold (J19707) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.514 Squadron - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 25 September 1945 and AFRO 133/46 dated 8 February 1946. Born 1921 in Winton, Ontario; home in Orillia
(printer). Trained at No.4 WS and No.1
BGS. Commissioned January 1944. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty." Public Records Office Air
2/8749 has recommendation dated 20 April 1945 when he had flown 47 sorties (256
hours 55 minutes) in two tours.
First Tour Second
Tour
16 Nov 42 GARDENING, 5 Nov 44 Solingen (4.20)
Norderny (6.05) 6 Nov 44 Coblenz
(5.00)
17 Dec 42 GARDENING, 8 Nov 44 Homberg (4.00)
Frisians (5.35) 11 Nov 44 Castrop-Rauxel
(4.10)
2 Jan 43 Brest
(5.40) 14 Nov
44 Dortmund (4.20)
9 Jan 43 Alemand
(4.00) 16 Nov 44 Heinsberg (4.10)
14 Jan 43 Brest
(6.00) 20 Nov
44 Homberg (4.20)
15 Jan 43 Lorient
(4.40) 21 Nov 44 Homberg (4.45)
26 Jan 43 Lorient
(6.30) 23 Nov 44 Gelsenkirchen (4.10)
30 Jan 43 Oldenburg,
DNCO 15 Jan 45 Langendreer (5.30),
7 Feb 43 Lorient
(6.15) with
No.75 Squadron
19 Feb 43 Wilhelmshaven
(5.20) 22 Jan 45 Hamborn (4.55)
20 Feb 43 GARDENING, 28 Jan 45 Cologne (5.45)
Skiermonnikoog (5.05) 29 Jan 45 Krefeld
(5.15)
24 Feb 43 Wilhelmshaven
(4.20) 26 Feb 45 Dortmund (5.35)
26 Feb 43 Cologne
(5.20) 28 Feb 45 Gelsenkirchen (5.30)
28 Feb 43 St.Nazaire
(6.00) 1 Mar 45 Cologne (5.30)
29 Mar 43 Bochum
(DNCO) 6 Mar 45 Salzbergen (5.55)
4 Apr 43 Kiel
(7.20) 7 Mar
45 Desau (9.15)
8 Apr 43 Duisburg
(5.15) 11 Mar 45 Essen (5.50)
10 Apr 43 Frankfurt
(7.45) 9 Apr 45 Kiel (5.50)
26 Jun 43 Criacca
(4.05)
29 Jun 43 Messina
(5.45)
1 July 43 Cagliari
(5.15)
5 July 43 Gerbini
(4.50)
8 July 43 Catania
(4.25)
9 July 43 MANDREL
Patrol (7.30)
14 Jul 43 Naples
(6.00)
15 Jul 43 San
Giovanni (5.30)
17 Jul 43 Montecorvino
(5.35)
19 Jul 43 Capodichino
(6.40)
26 Jul 43 Capodichino
(6.05)
This officer has completed forty-seven sorties
as a wireless operator in heavy bomber aircraft. He has taken part in many attacks against
heavily defended targets both in occupied territory and far into Germany.
On several occasions his aircraft was hit
by anti-aircraft fire but nevertheless
he has invariably carried on with his duty, remaining very ken and
enthusiastic.
Flying Officer Rowan has at all times set a
very good example to all his comrades and it is strongly recommended that he be
awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of his continued devotion
to duty.
*
* * * *
ROWAND, F/L James George (J8954) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.404 Squadron - Award effective 21 March 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 28 March 1944 and AFRO 921/44 dated 28 April 1944. Born in Bethune, Saskatchewan, 1917; home
there. Trained at No.1 ITS, No.6 EFTS
and No.10 SFTS. Commissioned 1941.
Flight Lieutenant Rowand has completed a tour
of operations during which he has consistently displayed courage, keenness and
devotion to duty. On numerous occasions
he has led formations and has never failed, when a target was sighted, to press
his attack with resolute determination and great skill, regardless of the
opposition encountered. On one occasion,
while on a reconnaissance flight off the Norwegian coast, this officer sighted
the "Lutzow" escorted by five destroyers. Before withdrawing in the face of intense
anti-aircraft fire, he obtained valuable information, thus enabling the attack
to be made later.
*
* * * *
ROWE, P/O Alfred George (J16574) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.432 Squadron - Award effective 6 August 1943 as per London
Gazette dated 17 August 1943 and AFRO 2005/43 dated 1 October 1943. Born in Toronto, 1920; home there. Trained at No.1 ITS, No.1 BGS, No.1 AOS and
No.2 ANS. Commissioned 1943. Killed in action, 11 March 1945 in attack on
Essen as navigator to F/L R.J. Fern, No.434 Squadron.
This officer has displayed high courage,
ability and efficiency during many operational sorties over enemy
territory. His outstanding skill as a
navigator has been an inspiration to his crew and, in a large measure,
responsible for their success on operations. Pilot Officer Rowe, who has
displayed gallantry and devotion to duty in the face of the heaviest
opposition, has set up an excellent operational record.
*
* * * *
ROWE, F/O Charles Joseph (J18799) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - Award effective 10 May 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 25 May 1945 and AFRO 1291/45 dated 10 August 1945. Born 1916 in Newmarket, Ontario; home in
Aurora, Ontario. Trained at No.1 WS and
No.4 BGS. Commissioned August 1943. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty." Public Records Office Air
2/9070 has recommendation dated 20 February 1945 when he had flown 49 sorties
(225 hours five minutes) in two tours - 30 May 1942 to 15 October 1942 and 20
September 1944 to 13 February 1945.
First Tour Second
Tour
30 May 42 Cologne
(5.45) 20 Sep 44 Calais (2.20)
1 June 42 Essen
(4.50) 25
Sep 44 Calais (2.05)
20 Jun 42 Emden
(4.45) 27 Sep
44 Bottrop (3.15)
22 Jun 42 Emden
(4.50) 28 Sep
44 Cap Gris Nez (1.50)
25 Jun 42 Bremen
(5.35) 30 Sep
44 Bottrop (3.15)
27 Jun 42 Bremen
(3.30) 11 Oct
44 Fort Fredrick
12 Aug 42 Mainz
(6.50) Hendrik
(2.15)
16 Aug 42 Bochum
(3.25) 14 Oct 44 Duisburg (3.20)
18 Aug 42 Flensburg
(5.40) 15 Oct 44 Duisburg (4.00)
20 Aug 42 La
Rochelle (7.25) 19 Oct
44 Stuttgart (5.25)
27 Aug 42 Kassel
(5.30) 23 Oct
44 Essen (4.00)
28 Aug 42 Nuremburg
(2.15) 25 Oct 44 Homberg (3.15)
DNCO, nil sortie 29 Oct 44 Walcheren
(2.05)
8 Sept 42 Frankfurt
(6.00) 2 Nov 44 Dusseldorf (4.15)
10 Sep 42 Dusseldorf
(3.50) 6 Nov 44 Gelsenkirchen (3.30)
13 Sep 42 Bremen
(4.50) 18 Nov
44 Wanne Eickel (4.35)
14 Sep 42 Wilhelmshaven
(4.25) 21 Nov 44 Castrop (4.25)
16 Sep 42 Essen
(5.00) 30
Nov 44 Duisburg (4.10)
21 Sep 42 GARDENING,
Baltic (6.00) 2 Dec 44 Hagen (5.25)
26 Sep 42 GARDENING,
Baltic (3.40) 6 Dec 44 Merseburg (6.30)
28 Sep 42 Bingen
(2.40), 12 Dec
44 Essen (4.30)
DNCO, sortie counted 22 Dec 44 Bingen
(6.50)
2 Oct 42 Krefeld
(4.30) 7 Feb
45 Cleve (4.00)
5 Oct 42 Aachen
(5.05) 8 Feb 45 Wanne Eickel (4.00)
6 Oct 42 Osnabruck
(4.30) 13 Feb 45 Bohlen (7.05)
10 Oct 42 La
Rochelle (6.35)
13 Oct 42 Kiel
(2.30), DNCO,
nil sortie
15 Oct 42 Cologne
(5.10)
Flying Officer Rowe is one of the most able
Air Bombers of the squadron. His ability
at his work in the air and his unfailing determination to fulfil his tasks to
the best of his ability have been reflected in the results achieved by Flying
Officer Rowe, which have always been of the highest standard. In addition, Flying Officer Rowe has aided
very greatly in the instruction of other Bomb Aimers on the squadron.
*
* * * *
ROWE, P/O Edward Lionel Llewellyn (J18597) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.415 Squadron - Award effective as per London Gazette
dated 11 February 1944 and AFRO 644/44 dated 24 March 1944. Born 1922 in
Berkley, Ontario; home in Own Sound, Ontario.
Trained at No.1 ITS, No.10 AOS and No.4 BGS. Commissioned 1943.
Pilot Officer Rowe has taken part in numerous
anti-shipping sorties during which his navigation, even in very adverse
weather, has always been of the highest order.
In February 1943, he was navigator in an aircraft detailed to attack an
enemy convoy. Despite heavy
anti-aircraft fire a successful attack was completed, but this officer's
aircraft was badly damaged, all the navigating instruments being lost and one
engine set on fire. Throughout the
engagement Pilot Officer Rowe calmly directed his captain in evasive action and
later, when the aircraft was forced down on the sea, his accurate positions
passed to the wireless operator were largely responsible for the rescue of the
crew. In April 1943, he again gave great
assistance to his squadron commander in a daylight attack on a blockade runner
in the Bay of Biscay. At all times this
officer has displayed praiseworthy keenness, determination and devotion to
duty.
*
* * * *
ROWE, F/O Fred Leon (J16034) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron - Award effective 19 September 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 2274/44 dated 20 October 1944. Born 1919 in Vancouver; home there. Trained at No.1 ITS, No.7 AOS and No.7
BGS. Commissioned 1942. Incident described was on air test, 25
February 1944; pilot was P/O Pollard; see also F/O R.H. James, bomb aimer.
Flying Officer Rowe has completed two tours of
operational duty during which he has taken part in very many attacks on targets
in Germany. Throughout he has displayed
a high standard of navigational ability, combined with great determination and
devotion to duty. On one occasion his pilot was temporarily blinded by
particles of glass from the shattered windscreen. On reaching an airfield in this country,
Flying Officer Rowe proved his resource by assisting another member of the crew
to make a safe landing. This officer is
a most valuable member of aircraft crew.
*
* * * *
ROWE, F/O John Earl (J37072) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.429 Squadron - Award effective 16 March 1945 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 625/45 dated 13 April 1945. Born in St.Lambert, Quebec; home in Montreal
(clerk). Trained at No.3 ITS, No.11 EFTS
and No.16 SFTS. Commissioned 1943.
One night in January 1945, Flying Officer
Rowe, as captain of aircraft, took part in an attack on Magdeburg. On the outward journey one of the engine
became unserviceable and the propeller had to be feathered. Some height was lost and Flying Officer Rowe
was unable to maintain his place in the main bomber formation. Despite this he
continued to the target and made a successful bombing attack. Flying Officer Row has participated in many
attacks on enemy targets, most of which have been heavily defended. He has at all times shown great coolness and
skill, setting a fine example to all.
*
* * * *
ROWLATT, F/L James Hugh (C3424) - Mention
in Despatches - No.75 Wing (AFRO gives unit only as "Overseas") -
Award effective 1 January 1943 as per London Gazette of that date and
AFRO 232/43 dated 12 February 1943. Home
in Montreal; enlisted there 7 January 1941.
No citation.
*
* * * *
ROWLEY, F/L Ivan Harold (C17686) - Mention
in Despatches - No.409 Squadron - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 155/46 dated 15 February 1946. Home in London, Ontario; e* there 13
September 1939. Nighthawk: A
History of 409 (Night Fighter) Squadron lists ground personnel of No.409
which includes F/L I.H.F. Rowley as Squadron Adjutant. DHist file 181.009 D.5529 (RG.24 Vol.20667)
has recommendation for MBE dated 9 June 1945.
This officer enlisted in the Royal Canadian
Air Force on September 13th, 1939, and has never spared himself in the service
of his country ever since. He joined this
unit on 24th May 1944 and has welded his headquarters into a smooth running
organization which has operated most efficiently ever since. His untiring efforts have contributed
enormously to the success and high morale of the squadron through the difficult
stages from D Day to VE Day.
*
* * * *
ROY, P/O Allan MacDougall (J29626) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.119 (BR) Squadron - Award effective 8 June 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1380/44 dated 30 June 1944. Born in Winnipeg, 28 January 1920. Educated at Maitland, Nova Scotia. Enlisted in Halifax, 23 August 1940. Trained at No.6 BGS $ 18 August 1941) and
No.1 WS $ 30 July 1941). P* 3 March
1945. As of award had flown 1,283:30
hours (927 operational, 200 sorties).
This officer has served at his present unit as
a Wireless Operator Air Gunner for over three years, in which time he has
completed hundreds of hours of operational flying. He cheerful enthusiasm and dependability have
set an excellent example for all his associates and his skill and devotion to
duty have been outstanding at all times.
*
* * * *
ROY, S/L Georges Albert (C1362) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.425 Squadron - Award effective 7 May 1943 as per London
Gazette dated 13 May 1943 and AFRO 1035/43 dated 4 June 1943. Born in Paris, France, October 1914, son of
the Honourable Philippe Roy, Canada's first Minister to France; educated in
law; home in Westmount; enlisted in Montreal, 6 November 1939. Commissioned 1939. Trained at No.1 SFTS (graduated 15 July
1940). Presented by King George, 23 May
1943. Shot down 9 October 1944 while
commanding No.424 Squadron; wounded, he succeeded in baling out but a leg was
subsequently amputated.Awarded Queen's Coronation Medal, 28 October 1953 (Group
Captain, RCAF Auxiliary, retired, living in Senneville, Quebec). Practiced law in Montreal for 45 years after
the war and was made a QC. Died in
Montreal, 9 January 1988.
Squadron Leader Roy is an outstanding captain
of aircraft. He has taken part in many
raids on heavily defended targets such as Bremen, Essen and Cologne, and on
every occasion has pressed home his attack with good effect. When detailed for special reconnaissance work
he has invariably produced accurate and thoroughly reliable reports. Squadron Leader Roy's good work and splendid
example are worthy of high praise.
NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/8950 has
recommendation drafted by W/C J.M.W. St.Pierre about 15 March 1943 when he had
flown 22 sorties (122 hours 12 minutes).
The sortie sheet and more detailed text add to the record and are
transcribed here.
*
daylight operation
30 May 42 Cologne
(2.15) 25
Nov 42 GARDENING, Brest (8.00)
1 June 42 Essen
(3.30) 6
Dec 42 Mannheim (5.30)
8 June 42 Essen
(4.35) 7
Dec 42 GARDENING, Brest (6.10)
22 Jun 42 Essen
(4.25) 17
Dec 42 GARDENING, Heligoland.
5 Oct 42 Aachen
(6.30) (6.25)
6 Oct 42 Osnbruck
(6.10) 15
Jan 43 Lorient (4.45)
13 Oct 42 Kiel
(6.00) 15
Jan 43 Essen (4.50)*
23 Oct 42 Krefeld
(3.00)* 16
Feb 43 Lorient (7.30)
9 Nov 42 Hamburg
(6.52) 19
Feb 43 Wilhelmshaven (5.40)
15 Nov 42 GARDENING,
Nordeney 24 Feb 43 Wilhelmshaven (5.20)
(4.00) 26
Feb 43 Cologne (6.05)
20 Nov 42 Turin
(7.30) 3
Mar 43 Hamburg (7.10)
Squadron Leader Roy is an outstanding officer
in all respects. On bombing sorties, he has set a very high standard for
himself and expects the same from every bomber captain. He has taken part in
raids against such heavily defended targets as Essen, Hamburg, Cologne and
Bremen, and on every occasion has pressed home his attack with courage and
determination. Whenever he has been ordered to carry out a special
reconnaissance, his reports have been very accurate and thoroughly reliable.
The consistent good work and the splendid example set by Squadron Leader Roy is
most deserving of recognition.
On 20 March 1943, G/C J.L. Plant, Officer
Commanding, RAF Station Dishforth, wrote:
Squadron Leader Roy proceeds on a bombing
sortie with grim determination to see the job well done. His quiet manner and
his keenness for operational flying raises the confidence and morale, not only
of his own crew, but of all personnel of his Flight.
On 29 March 1943, Air Vice Marshal G.E.
Brookes, Air Officer Commanding, No.6 Group, added his remarks:
Squadron Leader Roy has led his flight since
the formation of the squadron, and his example has done much to foster a fine
offensive spirit in the unit.
ROY, W/C Georges Albert, DFC (C1362) - Croix
de Guerre with Silver Star (France) - Awarded as per Canada Gazette
dated 20 September 1947 and AFRO 485/47 dated 12 September 1947. Pilot.
*
* * * *
ROY, FS Joseph Henri (R62694) - Mention in
Despatches - Topcliffe - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 155/46 dated 15 February 1946. Home in Sherbrooke, Quebec; enlisted there 20
July 1940. Certificate sent to his home
in Verdun, Quebec, 22 September 1948.
Recommended for BEM, 19 June 1945 but granted the lesser award. DHist 181.002 D.225 gives following:
Flight Sergeant Roy has acted as
Disciplinarian for Base Major Servicing since his arrival on this station in
July of last year. With a pleasing
personality and excellent appearance he combines a keen enthusiasm and loyalty
to the Service. A strong disciplinarian,
he is also an excellent organizer, and has contributed greatly not only to the
good discipline of his section, but also to the morale of the men. Flight Sergeant Roy has a broad service
interest and far from confining his time and energies to his section work, he
has devoted many of his off duty hours to station activities, and for many
months was this station's official reporter for "Wings Abroad", as
well as taking an active part in promoting sports and entertainment on the
station. The splendid co-operation,
loyalty and untiring efforts of this excellent non-commissioned officer are
responsible to no small extent for the high morale and keen efficiency of his
section.
*
* * * *
ROY, F/O Patrick Denson (J29845) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.415 Squadron - Award effective 5 February 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 20 February 1945 and AFRO 563/45 dated 29 March 1945. Born 1921 in Lethbridge, Alberta; home there
(stenographer). Enlisted in Calgary, 29
April 1942. Trained at No.4 ITS
(graduated 19 March 1943) and No.2 AOS (graduated 20 August 1943). Presented in Montreal, 25 November 1949.
Commissioned 1943. No citation other
than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of
which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion
to duty." Recommendation dated 15
November 1944 credited him with 35 sorties, 160.45 operational hours.
"This officer has completed a large number of sorties against some of the
enemy's most strongly defended targets.
He has displayed skill of a high order and his devotion to duty and
courage have been most commendable. His
praiseworthy co-operation, initiative and complete disregard of personal safety
have contributed in a large measure to the success of many operational
flights. Flying Officer Roy has proven
himself to be an outstanding member of a gallant crew."
*
* * * *
ROY, F/O Paul Jean (J17397) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.278 Squadron - Award effective 3 October 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born 1919 in Campbellton, New Brunswick; home
in Moncton. Trained at No.1 WS and No.6
BGS. Commissioned 1943.
As wireless operator (air) Flying Officer Roy
has participated in a large number of air/sea rescue operations. On these missions many personnel have been
saved, a result in which Flying Officer Roy has played his part worthily. He has displayed commendable courage,
fortitude and resolution.
ROY, F/L Paul Jean, DFC (J17397) - Medal of
Merit, First Class (Czechoslovakia) - No.12 Communications Squadron -
November 2nd, 1946. Believed to be for
penicillin flight after the war.
*
* * * *