Flying Officer Joseph Herman Gerald Roy

Joseph Herman Gerald Roy, known as Herman Gerald Roy, was born at Athelstan, Quebec, on 21 March 1922, the son of Louis Roy and Violet Antoine. He attended Athelstan Intermediate School and worked as a meat cutter and in the International Cooperage Company's stave mill. He enjoyed softball and hockey. His three brothers were already serving when he enlisted. Roy joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at Montreal on 14 July 1941, service number R117547. After No. 1 Manning Depot at Toronto, he trained at No. 4 Wireless School, Guelph, and No. 3 Bombing and Gunnery School, Macdonald. He qualified as a wireless operator/air gunner and became a Sergeant on 11 May 1942. Posted to No. 162 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron at Yarmouth in June 1942, he flew on Canso aircraft in Eastern Air Command. His operations included convoy patrols, sweeps and submarine searches, with his first operational sortie recorded on 29 June 1942. He also served in Newfoundland. He became Flight Sergeant in February 1943 and Warrant Officer Class II in August. In June 1943 he married Mary Christina Deveau at Digby, Nova Scotia. Roy joined No. 145 Squadron at Dartmouth in January 1944 and flew on Ventura aircraft. He became Warrant Officer Class I effective 1 February 1944. His commanding officers described him as an experienced and dependable wireless air gunner, well regarded by his captain and crew. Commissioned as Pilot Officer on 1 November 1944, he received officer number J51484. He also completed a radar operator’s course. He subsequently served as staff aircrew at the reconnaissance and navigation schools at Summerside. His promotion to Flying Officer was effective 1 May 1945, although its pay adjustment was not completed until after release. In September 1945 he underwent surgery at Dartmouth for a right-kidney obstruction. Further treatment was arranged through Veterans Affairs. He was honourably released at Moncton on 28 November 1945 on completion of wartime voluntary service and transferred to the RCAF Reserve, Class E. His distinctions included Operational Wings, the 1939–45 Star, Atlantic Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with clasp, War Medal 1939–45 and General Service War Service Badge 712024. At discharge Roy held a meat-cutting diploma and hoped to open his own meat market. Later correspondence places him at Huntingdon and Guelph. He applied to re-enlist in 1949, but the file does not establish that he was accepted. Joseph Herman Gerald Roy died in Ontario on 12 December 1952.

1922-03-21 — Born at Athelstan, son of Louis Roy and Violet Antoine; Athelstan, Quebec.
1928 to 1939 — Attended Athelstan Intermediate School; Grade IX and two years of high school reported in later records; Athelstan, Quebec.
1937 to 1941 — Worked as meat cutter for approximately two years and at various jobs; dates differ among vocational forms; Athelstan, Quebec.
1941 to 1945 — Completed a radar operator’s course during service; exact date and school not supplied
1941-04 to 1941-07 — Operator/labourer jointing staves for International Cooperage Co. of Canada Ltd.; left to enlist; Athelstan, Quebec.
1941-07-09 to 1941-07-12 — Character references from International Cooperage manager and W. S. Brown of Huntingdon; all three brothers reported serving, including Lawrence, formerly Brown's employee; Athelstan; Huntingdon, Quebec.
1941-07-14 — Enlisted voluntarily in RCAF Special Reserve as Aircraftman 2nd Class, aircrew Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, R117547; no prior military service, single, Roman Catholic; father Louis next of kin; Montreal, Quebec.
1941-07-14 — Medical examination: fit A3B, height 61.25 inches, weight 112 pounds, chest 32.5 inches at expiration and 2 inches expansion; fingerprints and identification portrait recorded; Montreal, Quebec.
1941-07-14 — Posted to No. 1 Manning Depot; Toronto, Ontario.
1941-07-17 to 1941-07-25 — Dental examination and prophylaxis requirements; vaccination and T.A.B.T. on 18 July, diphtheria toxoid 25 July; chest X-ray negative 19 July; Toronto, Ontario.
1941-08-19 to 1941-08-21 — Station-hospital admission for nasopharyngitis; recovered and returned to duty; No. 1 Manning Depot, Toronto, Ontario.
1941-09-28 — Taken on strength of No. 4 Wireless School; movement entries give earlier departure dates, receiving date consistently 28 September; Guelph, Ontario.
1941-10-27 to 1942-04-10 — Wireless Operator/Air Gunner Course 29; transfer between course numbers noted 22 December; final wireless mark 854/1000, 85.4%, 58th of 119; No. 4 Wireless School, Guelph, Ontario.
1941-10-29 — Promoted Leading Aircraftman; Guelph, Ontario.
1941-11-17 to 1941-11-21 — Absent without leave for four days nine hours fifty minutes; No. 4 Wireless School, Guelph, Ontario.
1941-11-21 — Awarded 14 days confined to barracks, ending 5 December; forfeited five days' pay and cost of apprehension; Guelph, Ontario.
1942-02-09 to 1942-04-07 — Dental extraction, restorations and prophylaxis during wireless training; Guelph, Ontario.
1942-03-28 — Altitude-tolerance test recorded ascent to 35000 feet for two hours without symptoms; duplicate final assessment gives May rather than March; Guelph, Ontario.
1942-04-10 — Passed wireless training; authorized Wireless Operator's Badge; No. 4 Wireless School, Guelph, Ontario.
1942-04-12 to 1942-05-11 — Armament/gunnery training at No. 3 Bombing and Gunnery School, Course 29; 318/450, 8th of 26; Battle aircraft training 9h25m; Macdonald, Manitoba.
1942-05 — Embarkation statement named parents Louis Roy Jr. and Violet May Roy, Box 44, Athelstan, with Thomas Foers alternative contact; exact day uncertain, no ship or port of disembarkation established; Halifax, Nova Scotia.
1942-05-09 — Found fit for overseas service; Macdonald, Manitoba.
1942-05-11 — Awarded Air Gunner's Badge and temporary paid Sergeant; combined training result 1172/1450, 80.9%, 13th of 26; Macdonald, Manitoba.
1942-05-12 to 1942-05-25 — Fourteen days' leave recorded after graduation; Canada.
1942-05-13 — Taken on strength of No. 1 Y Depot; Halifax, Nova Scotia.
1942-06-02 — Taken on strength of No. 162 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron, flying Canso A aircraft in Eastern Air Command; accounts credit overseas service from this date; Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
1942-06-29 — First operational sortie recorded, 16h40m, Canso A, No. 162 Squadron; operations included patrols, sweeps and submarine searches; Eastern Air Command theatre.
1942-09-01 to 1942-11-21 — Convoy-patrol qualifying interval for Atlantic Star; its first qualifying sortie is distinct from the earlier first operational sortie in June; No. 162 Squadron, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
1943-02-01 — Acting paid and temporary paid Flight Sergeant effective; temporary appointment promulgated 12 May 1943; No. 162 Squadron, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
1943-02-08 to 1943-02-11 — Hospitalized for enteritis at Gander; recovered and excused duty 24 hours after discharge; Gander, Newfoundland.
1943-03-01 to 1943-03-14 — Fourteen days' annual leave in main ledger; duplicate gives February, overlapping enteritis admission; Canada.
1943-05-09 — Annual aircrew medical examination at Yarmouth; weight 116 pounds, approximately 550 flying hours reported, fit WAG; Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
1943-05-15 to 1943-06-30 — Marriage licence and permission obtained; Rev. H. Boudreau endorsed Christine Deveau on 22 May; Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
1943-06-30 — Married Mary Christina Deveau at Digby, Catholic ceremony by Rev. Leo Murphy, witnessed by Cyril and Catherine Myatt; Digby, Nova Scotia.
1943-07-05 — Dependants' Allowance Board recorded application and marriage details; Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
1943-08-01 — Promoted temporary paid Warrant Officer Class II; No. 162 Squadron, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
1943-08-19 — Operational-wings particulars credited 67 sorties and 651h05m with No. 162 Squadron; certified 22 August and approved 1 October; Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
1943-09-11 to 1943-09-25 — Annual leave; earlier 1–15 September entry cancelled, replacement dates/count vary slightly in duplicate; Canada.
1943-10-01 — No. 162 Squadron detachment at Torbay recorded after Yarmouth strength ended 30 September; subsequent strength entry places No. 162 at Dartmouth; Torbay, Newfoundland.
1943-12-08 — Found fit for aircrew, A3B, weight 115 pounds; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-01-13 — Taken on strength of No. 145 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron after No. 162 Dartmouth strength ended 11 January; flew P.V.I./Ventura aircraft; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-02-01 — Promoted temporary paid Warrant Officer Class I; approved retrospectively in July 1944; No. 145 Squadron, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-02-10 to 1944-02-23 — Dental prophylaxis, impression and insertion of partial upper denture; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-02-24 — Aircrew Assessment Board: weighted average 48.5, standing 22/38; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-02-28 — Certified qualified in drill and ceremonial through Warrant Officer Class II; qualification date does not establish promotion date; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-03-17 — Aircrew re-examination, fit A3B(T), 62 inches and 119 pounds; no crashes or air sickness reported; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-04-15 — Operational-wings schedule ended with credited total 507h15m after aircraft-time adjustment; actual Canso subtotal and credited hours are distinct; Eastern Air Command theatre.
1944-04-28 — Further Aircrew Assessment Board entry recorded; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-05-01 to 1944-05-15 — Fourteen days' annual leave recorded; earlier January leave cancelled; Canada.
1944-05-11 — Entered Special Group as WAG; No. 145 Squadron, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-05-18 — Aircrew Assessment Board administrative entry, weighted average 40, standing 21/34; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-06-12 — Applied for 1939–43 Star, qualifying service verified against logbook and entitlement approved; No. 145 Squadron, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-06-16 to 1944-07-28 — Commanding officer recommended WOI and described him as capable, experienced and relied upon by his captain and crew; appointment approved in July, effective 1 February; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-06-23 to 1944-07 — Sick parade for coryza, infected big toe and gastro-enteritis; duty restrictions/treatment recorded; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-09-12 — 1939–43 Star qualification recorded in service ledger, later listed as 1939–45 Star; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-09-21 to 1944-09-22 — Signed operational-wings application; operational trips/hours certified against logbook, excluding training and transport flying; No. 145 Squadron, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-10-18 to 1944-10-31 — Fourteen days' annual leave ending 31 October; duplicate starts 15 October; Canada.
1944-10-20 to 1944-10-31 — Recommended for commission as a steady WAG performing ground and air work well; signed undertaking to accept commission; No. 145 Squadron, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-11-01 — Commissioned Pilot Officer, J51484, RCAF Special Reserve General List, Pilot Branch; airman service R117547 ended 31 October, with continuous service. Aircrew assessment 67, 15th of 30, Class A; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-11-15 — Eastern Air Command concurred in commissioned appointment; Halifax, Nova Scotia.
1944-11-30 — Flying record certified cumulative 1240 hours; all flying not identical to operational-wings credit; No. 145 Squadron, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-12-08 — Operational Wings recorded in honours ledger; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-12-16 — Aircrew medical re-examination, category A3B(T), weight 118 pounds and 1240 flying hours; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1944-12-19 — Taken on strength of No. 1 General Reconnaissance School; posting/overseas accounting ended 18 December; Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
1944-12-23 to 1944-12-28 — Christmas leave recorded; Canada.
1945-01-24 — Vocational counselling: completed Coastal Command tour, wanted meat-cutting training and eventual business; approximate gratuity $700, total resources $1000; No. 1 General Reconnaissance School, Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
1945-02-04 — Taken on strength of No. 1 R. & N.S. following reorganization/transfer from No. 1 General Reconnaissance School; Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
1945-02-21 — Headquarters notified school of Pilot Officer commission effective 1 November 1944; Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
1945-02-28 — Signed commission acceptance, oath and family declaration; wife Mary Christina, no children, parents at Box 103 Huntingdon; father railroad foreman, Canada Life insurance; Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
1945-03 — Annual WAG medical re-examination, approximately 1400 total flying hours, weight 124 pounds, fit; day differs between duplicate readings; Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
1945-05-01 — Temporary Flying Officer effective date, later promulgated and back pay adjusted after release; Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
1945-06-14 to 1945-06-19 — Confidential report score 73, recommended retention and ordinary promotion to temporary Flying Officer; Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
1945-06-22 — $100 Seventh Victory Loan bond mailed to father Louis Roy, Box 103 Huntingdon; Huntingdon, Quebec.
1945-06-23 to 1945-07-10 — Fourteen days' annual leave plus four travelling days; Canada.
1945-07-17 to 1945-07-30 — Commission script sent to wife at Summerside and receipt acknowledged; Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
1945-08-13 to 1945-08-17 — Hospitalized at No. 1 R. & N.S. for coryza/chest pain; chest films reassuring, discharged to duty; Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
1945-08-17 — Flying Officer promotion order issued, effective 1 May; promulgation later found incomplete; Eastern Air Command.
1945-09-03 to 1945-09-11 — Hospitalized for recurrent right loin pain; right hydronephrosis diagnosed; transferred to Dartmouth, movement on 10 September and receiving admission 11 September; Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
1945-09-11 to 1945-10-13 — Admitted to No. 5 R.M.B. Hospital for right hydronephrosis; cystoscopy and retrograde examination on 12 September; blood transfusion 17 September; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1945-09-14 — Listed among staff aircrew surplus to requirements under retirement arrangements; planned September release subsequently superseded; No. 1 R. & N.S., Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
1945-09-16 — Taken on strength of A.N.S., Summerside, while undergoing hospital treatment; planned September release superseded; Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
1945-09-26 — Right kidney explored and constricting band at uretero-pelvic junction freed; immediate recovery good. Kidney was retained: nephrectomy wording cancelled in operative record; No. 5 R.M.B. Hospital, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1945-10-11 — Repeat cystoscopy/pyelograms showed recurrent obstruction and impaired right-kidney drainage; further review recommended; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1945-10-14 to 1945-11-10 — Twenty-eight days' sick leave after hospitalization, address c/o Louis Roy, Box 103 Huntingdon; leave certificate ends 0800 on 11 November; Huntingdon, Quebec.
1945-11-13 to 1945-11-14 — Post-leave pyelogram showed advanced right hydronephrosis; left kidney normal; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1945-11-23 to 1945-11-24 — Posted from A.N.S., Summerside, to No. 10 Release Centre, reporting 24 November; Moncton, New Brunswick.
1945-11-27 — Release medical board recommended non-medical discharge under KR Air151(1)(i), category A4B(B); referred to DVA for further right-kidney treatment. Dental treatment and negative chest X-ray recorded; Moncton, New Brunswick.
1945-11-28 — Honourably released on completion of wartime voluntary service; transferred to RCAF Reserve General Section Class E. Final corrected rank Flying Officer; badge 712024; intended residence Galt, later corrected to Box102 Huntingdon; Moncton, New Brunswick.
1945-11-29 to 1945-12-28 — Thirty days' commuted leave after release; Canada.
1945-12-18 — Birth/baptism copy, education letter and two wills returned; duplicate return letter dated 13 June 1946; Galt, Ontario.
1946-01-02 — Initial gratuity $969.28 at Pilot Officer pay, four instalments $242.32; 1594 qualifying days including931 overseas, five AWOL days excluded; Huntingdon, Quebec.
1946-02-04 to 1946-03-23 — Queried Flying Officer back pay and gratuity; headquarters arranged missing promulgation and advised adjustment forthcoming; Huntingdon, Quebec.
1946-05-07 — Gratuity amended to $995.99 at Flying Officer pay; balance $26.71 after $969.28 previously paid; Huntingdon, Quebec.
1946-05-13 to 1946-06-11 — Queried non-receipt of promotion-related cheque; headquarters reported $204 requisitioned14May covering rank adjustment, commuted leave and rehabilitation grant; Huntingdon, Quebec.
1949-01-06 to 1949-03-31 — Applied to re-enlist; initially rejected for positive urinary findings. DVA reported renal infection cleared after sulphadiazine and persistently negative urinalyses; no proof of later acceptance; Montreal, Quebec.
1949-10-14 — Medal-request envelope postmarked Guelph; address31MacdonellStreet, later requested c/oO.W.Collier,86CardenStreet; Guelph, Ontario.
1950-02-06 — Awards card records ribbons issued; medals already received; Canada.
1952-12-12 — Died in Ontario, as recorded in existing CWVMP profile
1957-06-01 — Supplementary Reserve administrative release list gives Flying Officer J.H.G.Roy J51484; list entry does not independently establish he was alive in1957; RCAF Supplementary Reserve.