
By Melissa Turner
The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE—George Roach is the current Sergeant at Arms of Legion Branch 164 (Hagersville) and a veteran of the Armed Forces of Canada. Roach served in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1966 to 1972 (during the Cold War).
Roach grew up in Hamilton with his four siblings and his parents, who were both in the Second World War. Throughout his school years, Roach slowly realized that school wasn’t where he was meant to be. After discussions with his father regarding his future, Roach came to the conclusion that the Royal Canadian Navy was meant for him. On January 14, 1966, at age 18, Roach joined the Armed Forces of Canada.
Although his training was held in western Canada, Roach served out of the Halifax area for his six years of service. Three and a half of those years were spent in submarine service. Throughout Roach’s years in service, he was able to move up to Leading Seaman Sonar, Trade Group 2.