Secret double life of the Army war hero who died a woman
By Sally Pook
AN elderly woman who killed herself because she could not face the indignity of old age was actually a male war hero, it has emerged.
Major John Roche, who later became Joanna Roche, was awarded the Military Cross for bravery during the Second World War after risking his life to lead his troops out of danger. His citation said: “He displayed particular gallantry in the difficult situation of withdrawing his company in the face of strong enemy opposition.”
But after serving in India, Africa, Burma and Malaysia it appears he spent his last years masquerading as a woman. He decided to take his own life earlier this year after being treated for a urinary tract problem. He was found the next day with a plastic bag over his head at his sheltered accommodation in Milton Keynes by the warden, who was not aware of his military past.
In a suicide note, Mr Roche, 85, wrote: “My fear is the indignity of being put to bed in my own home by a stranger at the end of each purposeless day.” His double life emerged as an inquest was told of his outstanding military career. Mr Roche, who was born in Dublin in 1914, joined the King’s Own Royal Lancashire Regiment in 1939 before transferring to the the West Yorkshire Regiment.
He was made acting captain in 1942 and temporary captain the following year, before being promoted to acting major. He was awarded the Military Cross after directing his men out of danger in Burma while under attack from the Japanese in 1944. At the inquest, details of how he became Joanna remained unclear. The coroner, Rodney Corner, asked Mark Tucker, representing the Roche family, whether he had undergone medical treatment to become Joanna. He said: “I believe not.”
Mr Roche, who was a teacher in south London before joining the Army, was married with a daughter, Rachel, but later separated from his wife. He was made a full major in 1950 and spent the last two years of his military career as an officer in the Territorial Army before returning to teaching. The inquest heard how Mr Roche, a member of Exit, the voluntary euthanasia society, had become increasingly concerned about his quality of life.
He suffered a stroke three years ago before developing the urinary tract problem. His suicide note said: “I have decided to end my life. I am aware of the ageing process mentally and physically. I don’t fear death. Those of my generation who meant most to me have all departed. This is not a hasty decision. My time is almost up.”
After the inquest, details of his heroism emerged. Major Roche was ordered to advance across several miles of open country and occupy Maungdaw in Burma in January 1944. On Jan 8 his company were targeted by machinegun and mortar fire but continued their advance, driving out the remaining Japanese. A few days later, his company was occupying an isolated position on the flank of the enemy at Razabil.
They were attacked three times, suffering several casualties, and became surrounded. Soon after, Major Roche was told to move to another position, fighting his way out if necessary. He decided to move in the afternoon under cover of smoke caused by burning vegetation, but the smoke dispersed as the company reached open ground.
They were in full view of the enemy on three sides at close range. Major Roche ordered one platoon to act as rearguard while the remainder crawled across hundreds of yards of paddy field under machinegun fire. He supervised the withdrawal before getting away himself.
His citation read: “Major Roche was always several miles from headquarters and frequently out of touch. He acted with the greatest coolness, taking important decisions on his own initiative and carrying them out with skill and determination.” A woman visiting her mother at the sheltered accommodation where Mr Roche lived said yesterday: “My mother was shocked. Nobody knew anything about it.”
Mr Corner told the hearing at Milton Keynes on Friday: “John Roche had a very proud Army career. He was a very remarkable person.”
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