Date of birth:

May 13th, 1919

Date of death:

April 5th, 1943

Mentioned on:

American Cemetery and Memorial North Africa

Service number:

0-885348

Nationality:

American (1776 - present, Republic)

Bernard Roche started his military career as a civilian pilot, ferrying bombers from North America to England, previous to the entry of the United States into the war. Eager to see action, he volunteered in the Royal Air Force and flew Spitfires in operations against German planes. In September/October 1942 he transferred to the USAAF in 307th Squadron, 31st Fighter Group. In November the Group was deployed to North Africa. Here Roche flew missions against German and Italian enemies. During air battle in January 1943, he was credited with the shooting down of a German Messerschmitt Me 109. In April 1943 he was stationed in Thelepte, Tunisia. During the return flight after a mission on April 5th, escorting A20 Bomber planes to La Fauconnerie, Roche and two other Spitfires spotted enemie planes and engaged them. After the air battle he was not seen again.
Bernard Roche was reported missing in action on April 5th, 1943. He was officially declared Missing in Action on 6th April 1944.
He is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the North Africa American Cemetery.

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• Photo 1: Ethel M. Hayes
• - 31st Fighter Group
  - DTIC Online
  

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