Henry Alfred Havilland Roe
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Henry Arthur Havilland Roe was born on the 1st August 1889 in Fulham, Middlesex, to Henry Havilland Roe, who was a surgeon, and his wife Charlotte. He was the second eldest of six children. Aged 21, he was living as head of the household with his widowed mother and four of his siblings in Ebenezer Street, Langley Mill, Notts. at the time of the 1911 census, in which his occupation was given as general engineering - Works Manager's Assistant.At the time of his death his family were living at 6, Annesley Grove, North Sherwood St., Nottingham.
His military record began on the 28th November 1916 when he enlisted in the Royal Naval Air Service, his service number was F24309. He was single, 27 years old, and his occupation was given as "mechanical engineer and draughtsman". He trained at HMS Daedalus - the RNAS flying school at Eastchurch - and joined a night bombing squadron which was either No. 7A Squadron R.N.A.S. or No. 14 Squadron R.N.A.S. (as it became on the 9th December 1917) based near Dunkirk. When the RAF was formed at the beginning of April 1918 the Squadron was re-numbered again as No. 214 Squadron RAF. It was equipped with massive Handley Page twin-engined bombers, they flew from coastal airfields in France, mainly engaged in night attacks against naval and army targets in Belgium, but also bombing targets in France. In April and May 1918, it assisted in the Naval blocking operations at Zeebrugge and Ostend. Henry was a Naval Lieutenant (Observer) R.N.A.S. and flew as one of a crew of three (the others being pilot and gunner). On the night of the 19th May 1918 their Handley Page 0/400 bomber was tasked with attacking german airfields at Zeebrugge, unfortunately their aircraft was shot down by anti aircraft guns killing Lieutenant Roe and the pilot Capt VE Sieveking D.S.O., the gunner AMF Spencer survived becoming a POW. Lt. Roe is buried in Zeebrugge Churchyard alongside his pilot.
Information from Toby Clempson
