Orders, Decorations and Medals

A First Army, Western Desert Immediate D.C.M. group of six awarded to Gunner E. A. Roe, 3rd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (860176 Gnr. E. A. Roe, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, good very fine (6)

D.C.M. London Gazette 20 January 1942.

‘On 22nd Nov. 1941, at SIDI REZEGH, Gunner Roe was driver of a 2-pounder portee of ‘D’ battery, which was defending the aerodrome area. In an attack by a large number of enemy tanks his gun was hit and the detachment commander wounded. Gunner Roe immediately took over the duties of No.2 on the gun and when later the No. 3 was wounded he laid the gun himself. Finally, when the remaining NCO of the detachment was wounded, he took command of the gun and kept it in action until the enemy tanks were driven off. During the whole action the gun was under heavy fire from enemy tanks and artillery. Gunner Roe showed great courage and presence of mind by taking charge of the gun when both NCO’s had been wounded and by keeping the gun in action he was able to inflict further damage on the enemy and prevented them from getting into his part of the position. His courage and iniative was a fine example to the rest of the troop’.

Awarded for defending the aerodrome at Sidi Rezegh on 21-22 November 1941 against a German attack by about 60 tanks. The Royal Horse Artillery were awarded two V.C.’s for this action.