4852 Ordinary Seaman James Henry Robert Roy, 1921-14/2/1943.

PERSONAL

Mr J. A. Roy, M.P., has received advice that his son, Seaman J. H. R. (Bob) Roy, New Zealand Navy, who was previously reported missing, is now reported missing, presumed dead.   -Evening Star, 16/2/1943.

DEATHS.

Empire's Cause. 

ROY. — Seaman J. H. R. (Bob), beloved eldest son of James and .Margaret Roy, Taumata, Clinton; aged 22 years. Sadly missed. "Nobly he lived and nobly he died."   -Evening Star, 19/2/1943.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE

SEAMAN J. H. R. ROY

(Contributed)

A wave of sorrow and a sense of deep personal loss pervaded the community of Clinton and surrounding districts when it became known that the war had claimed one of its best-known and most highly esteemed young men in the person of Seaman J. H. R. (Bob) Roy, son of Mr J. A. Roy, M.P. for Clutha. The shock of the news was all the greater as Seaman Roy had left only five days previously to rejoin his ship, from a short leave, on the return from a cruise. He was 22 years of age, and received his education at the district schools of Wairuna and Clinton. Leaving school, he worked on his father’s farm, and seemed destined for a successful farming career. He loved a good horse, and it was generally conceded that his was the best team in the district. He was also an enthusiast in work among sheep, and it is recalled that while still at primary school he succeeded in carrying off first prize in an open judging competition at a local agricultural field day. He was later a keen member of the Clinton Young Farmers’ Club. He excelled on the football and athletic fields, where his manly bearing and absolute fairness won for him the esteem of team-mates and opponents alike. 

As early in life Seaman Roy had evinced a liking for the sea, it was natural when the call came for national service that the navy should be the branch which appealed to him. Applying himself with his characteristic diligence and enthusiasm, he was soon selected for special courses in the more intricate branches of the service, and from these courses he qualified with high marks. Of all his activities, that which seemed dearest to his heart was his Christian work. He was a Sunday school teacher in the local Presbyterian Church, and a leading member of both the Bible Class and Christian Endeavour.

Heartfelt sympathy with those dearest to him in their irreparable loss is expressed by those who knew him and who have great cause to realise the tremendous price that is to be exacted before our fair land is again to enjoy the blessing of peace.  -Otago Daily Times, 20/2/1943.

It is not a common occurence, but it does happen: James Roy's epitaph has a mistake.  He served on the HMNZS Sanda, an "Island" Class anti-submarine and minesweeping trawler launched in Scotland in 1941 and used in New Zealand waters.  James Roy was lost overboard near Whangaparoa in the Hauraki Gulf, either on minesweeping duty or while the Sanda was escorting a freighter to Norfolk Island, its other usual task.

Clinton Cemetery.