Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

No. 2 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, Combined Operations Headquarters, War Office, British Government

Awarded on:

July 5th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Chariot

"On 28 March, 1942, during the Commando Raid at ST. NAZAIRE, France, Capt. Roy was in command an Assault Group on board HMS CAMPBELTOWN. After the Destroyer rammed the gates of the Dry Dock, Capt. Roy led his party ashore across the blazing bows of the Destroyer under intense enemy fire. His tasks included the destruction of two enemy medium AA gun emplacements on top of the Pumping Station, (...) as to be able to inflict heavy casualties at point blank range amongst the troops disembarking from the CAMPBELTOWN. Their early destruction was essential of the demolition tasks in the Dry Dock area were to be successfully executed.

With the utmost daring and rapidity, Capt. Roy and his party, already seriously depleted, silenced these guns. This involved the rapid scaling of the walls of the Pumping Station and the annihilation of the enemy crews. Capt. Roy's entire task was carried out under the most fierce enemy fires. In the assault on one of the gun emplacements, his party received particularly heavy casualties. Without delay and mindful duty of the safe disembarkation of the demolition parties, Capt. Roy accompanied only by an NCO, moved forward into the fire of the enemy gun, scaled the Pumping Station wall, knocked out the enemy crew and put the gun out of action. The early destruction of these gun positions played an important part in making possible the subsequent destruction of the entire Dry Dock area.

Later, in the operation, (..), his party was forming a bridgehead screen, Capt. Roy went out under intense fire entirely regardless of the danger to himself and brought back a wounded Corporal who was lying in an exposed position. Later, Capt. Roy led the spearhead of the break out from the Old Mole into the town. Constantly in the forefront of the fighting, Capt. Roy displayed an exemplary personal gallantry. During this action he was responsible for very heavy casualties being caused to the enemy.

With his small spearhead party he set a tremendous example to the following main body by leading way across an old iron bridge, which formed a death trap of enemy cross fire.

During the ensuing street fighting his indomitable courage, leadership and coolness, and his accurate direction of fire against enemy positions were largely responsible for the survival of so many of the main body who followed. His contribution to the entire operation is one which merits high recognition."