Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 7 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

August 5th, 1941

Citation:
"This airman was the air observer of one of a section of three aircraft which was detailed to attack a target near Bethune. When the section crossed the enemy coast it was subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire, one of the aircraft being shot down. On approaching the target the two remaining aircraft were again subjected to anti-aircraft fire. Despite this and the fact that his pilot was taking evasive action, Sergeant Roach carefully and successfully bombed the target. The success of this high level attack under extremely difficult conditions was largely due to the courage and determination of Sergeant Roach.

Published in the London Gazette of 5th August 1941.
Invested with award at Buckingham Palace, 7 November 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 426 (Thunderbird) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

January 18th, 1944

Citation (when he had then flown 49 sorties (291 hours 50 minutes) in two tours (29 June 1941-27 July 1942 and 23 September 1942-18 October 1943):
"This officer has served as Bombing Leader since the formation of the squadron. He joined the unit with a splendid record of operations completed during the first tour, during which time he was awarded the DFM. He has since participated in 45 offensive sorties over enemy territory, including raids on Peenemunde, Dortmund, Mannheim, Essen, and Stuttgart. He has at all times displayed exceptional fighting qualities and resourcefulness, and by his example has been an inspiration to the whole squadron. His leadership has been instrumental in bringing the standard of bombing in the squadron up to its present high state of efficiency. I strongly recommend that his consistent good work and devotion to duty be recognized by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross."

Award presented 31 January 1946