Veterans page 6.

He was: F/L Charles,(Chas,Charlie) Roach, service number: 1321147. Born 26th October 1921 in East ham, London, and joined up in late 1939. He trained as an Observer/Navigator at Durban, South Africa from March to July 1942, after having joined up in late 1939 aged 18. He completed his flight training at various places (RFU Dunfries,ABTF Fulbeck & Con. Unit Waddington) before being assigned to No. 57 Squadron, Scampton in December 1942. His crew completed 29 successful and 5 unsuccessful sorties between December 1942 and June 1943 from Scampton. In July 1943 he transferred to a special flight, 1577 RDU taking 2 Lancaster and 2 Halifax aircraft to India for trials to determine their suitability for use against Japan. During this period they also trialled towing Hamilcar and Horsa gliders, presumably as a precursor to the D-Day landings. They returned from this duty in November 1944 and he undertook refresher training at No. 20 OTU Lossiemouth and 1656 HCU Lindholme until May 1945 when he was attached to No. 576 Squadron Fiskerton. He was moved to No. 50 Squadron Sturgate in September 1945 and to 1668 HCU Cottesmore in February 1946. He was demobbed in March/April 1946. Charles sadly died in June this year, aged 86. He was married to Tony's Mother for 59 1/2 years and they have 3 children, 2 boys and a girl, of whom Tony is the eldest.

During his life,Charles was reluctant to talk about his wartime experiences, he was grateful to have survived when so many didn't. He was also proud to have served his country and done his duty.

He had every right to be.

Charles aged 21 in flying suit. 1942.

Charles(on right) with friends, South africa July 1942. Photo taken at Charles "Wings" dinner 41 Air School.

Charles(Front right) and crew. India, late 1943/early 1944.

Image taken 1945.

Image