Le Vertannoy British Cemetery, Hinges, near Bethune
Husband of Bertha Blanche Roche, of 32, Midvale Rd.,
St. Helier, Jersey. Born at Jersey.
Killed in action, aged 39 years
NEWS ITEM
in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 27 May 1918
Roll of Honour. The many local friends
and acquaintances of J Roche of the Hampshire Regiment,
for 24 years a highly respected employee of Mr E J Gallichan
of the Royal Square, will regret to hear that yesterday
his wife, who resides at 32 Midvale Road, received the
distressing news that he had been killed in action.
The officer of his section states that the soldier was
instantaneously killed on the evening of 20 May by a
shell hitting his shelter, he adds "He was a topping
fellow, a gallant soldier and most popular amongst all
ranks. He died fighting for his King and Country and
has been mercifully spared all the dreadful strife and
turmoil which we all have to face before this ghastly
war can be brought to a satisfactory finish". The
late soldier, who was 39, had only been at the Front
a short time and was described by his former employer
as one of the best men he had ever come into contact
with. He was a sergeant in the RMIJ and was a champion
shot, his unassuming manner won him a host of friends
who will join us in tendering his widow, who is left
with four young children, our heartfelt sympathy.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Record
