Carroll, Roger Joseph

Major Roger Joseph Carroll was killed in action on March 8, 1945, when his battalion of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry was taking part in a large-scale attack on Xanten, Germany. As Officer Commanding "B" Company, Major Carroll's objective was to secure part of the town to prevent enemy ferry service across the Rhine. He was instantly killed by shell fire, just before this was attained, but his courage and gallantry had such an inspirational effect on everyone with him, that his company went on, in spite of terrific opposition, to successfully take their objective. Major Carroll, in spite of his youth, had had a successful army career. As early as 1935, he enlisted as a private in the Dufferin and Haldimand Rifles (N.P.A.M.) and later received his commission. As soon as his battalion mobilized, he went on active service, enlisting in May, 1940, and, after a brief time at Borden with the 2nd Canadian Division, went overseas in July with the R.H.L.I. After three years in England he was returned to Canada in October, 1943, where his experience in battle manoeuvres was used to advantage in the instructor's job to which he was assigned at Camp Ipperwash. After eight months in Canada he returned overseas and went into action. Born at Middleboro, Mass., January 9, 1911, he moved with his family to Brantford when quite young. He received his primary education at St. Mary's Separate School and graduated with his matriculation from the Collegiate Institute. He was a brilliant athlete during his High School days and distinguished himself on the rugby field, the baseball diamond and the basketball floor. After his school days he continued his interest in outdoor activities, playing for the O.R.F.U., serving as Secretary-Treasurer for the Brantford Senior Baseball Club. He was one of the most active members of the Brant-Norfolk Aero Club, and if it had not been for defective eyesight, in all probability the Army would have lost a fine soldier to the Air Force. He was on the staff of the Hurley Printing Company. In 1940 he was married to the former Miss Evelyn Moriarity, Paris. Major Carroll's mother pre-deceased him, and his father, Mr. I. (Ray) Carroll resides at 132 Dalhousie St.

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