Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

26 Indian Field Ambulance, 5th Indian Infantry Brigade, 4th Indian Infantry Division, British Indian Army

Awarded on:

August 24th, 1944

"Sergeant ROACH displayed conspicuous bravery, devotion, and initiative during the fighting at Cassino 20 - 24 March 1944.

As a result of enemy counter-attacks, on 19 March the route by which casualties had previously been evacuated from the battalion became occupied by the enemy.

This isolated battalion had a mounting list of casualties denied proper medical attention. A medical officer succeeded in getting through to the battalion and returned to report that these casualties must be evacuated.

Sergeant ROACH thereupon volunteered to take with him a picked party of strencher bearers to bring the wounded back. To do this he had to make his way over a route of great natural difficulty, on which any movement was at once subjected to close-range sniping and m.g. fire and which was constantly being shelled and mortared both by ourselves and the enemy.

Taking advance of an early morning mist on 21 March and of the smoke which was being put down, Sergeant ROACH gallantry and skilfully led his party over this route, and returned with a proportion of the more severely wounded. He also guided and directed many who were able to walk or crawl back.

Again on 22 March, Sergeant ROACH offered to repeat this feat since some more wounded remained.

Again he accomplished it successfully, though during the course of this journey he was taken prisoner temporarily by the enemy; who, however, released him with a warning against repetition, because of his Red Cross safe-conduct.

As a result of the brave and devoted efforts of Sergeant ROACH, and of his skill and initiative in accomplishing so hazardous a journey on two occasions, seventy casualties were successfully evacuated from this isolated position.

In all his other actions throughout the battle, he displayed the same outstanding qualities of bravery and devotion, under heavy and constant fire, in his efforts to treat and evacuate the wounded; at all times exposing himself fearlessly, and without any consideration of personal risk."

Gallantry at 'Hangman's Hill', spent 2 days leading stretcher parties through heavy motar and rifle fire to bring to bring many wounded, cut off by the Germans to safety.
Imperial War Museum records UK. Received DCM for gallantry at 'Hangman's Hill as Staff-Sergt. serving with 5th Indian Infantry brigade. Received award from George VI at Buckingham palace in 1949. I am one of his daughters, we have the original medals as well as the miniature copies.
Invested at Buckingham Palace on 1 March 1949.