ROACH, SGT DAVID REG #657203
David Roach was, born October 24, 1889 in Simcoe County, the son of Patrick and Elizabeth (Campbell) Roach. In 1901, the family lived in Orillia.
David and Jean MacMillan married December 17, 1910 in Parry Sound. Jean was identified as living in Magnetawan and David in Novar.
David and Jean’s son, Donald Patrick Roach, was born in McKenzie Township in 1913 (died that same year). (They had three other children.)
In 1921 the family lived in Magnetawan where David was a sawyer.
David died July 1, 1953 and is buried in Chapman Cemetery.
In his Attestation papers, signed October 15, 1915 David identified that he lived in Magnetawan and that he was a millwright. He identified his next of kin as his wife Jean.
In his Discharge Certificate, David is identified as having enlisted in the 162nd on October 15, 1915 in Parry Sound and to have served in Belgium and France.
He was discharged April 12, 1919.
David arrived in England on November 11, 1916 on the S.S. Caronia as part of the 162nd at which time he was identified as having the appointment of Acting Sergeant (but in December, at his own request reverted to Private.)
In December he was transferred to the 36th Reserve Battalion and then to the 2nd Pioneers and later to the 2nd ENT Battalion (Entrenching?)
In March of 1917 he was appointed A/Corporal.
In September he was appointed A/Sergeant with the 2nd C. Ent, Battalion (2nd Pioneers).
On January 1, 1918 he was awarded the Good Conduct Badge with the 2nd Pioneers.
