These profiles and stories were donated to the RAAF Museum by the Gold Coast Branch of the Air Crew Association.

Service Profile: John King-Roach

A former member of the Air Training Corps and the School Cadet Corps in South Australia, John Erwin King-Roach served as a member of aircrew in the Royal Australian Air Force for three years from May 1943, in the category of Navigator/Wireless (Nav W).

Under the umbrella of the remarkable World War 2 Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS), John commenced his training at No. 4 Initial Training School (ITS) Victor Harbour, South Australia. Further training was conducted at No. 1 Wireless Air Gunner School (WAGS) and No. 1 Navigation/Wireless School (NWS) Ballarat, Victoria; No. 2 Air Observer School (AOS) Mount Gambier, SA, and Ground Reconnaissance School (GRS) Bairnsdale, Victoria.

Following his graduation, John served at No. 7 Headquarters (HQ) Flight at Pearce, Western Australia, and No. 7 Communications Unit (COMMUNIT) at Dunreath (then North-Western Area) and at Pearce.

During his RAAF flying career, he flew in Avro Ansons, Wirraways, Vultee Vengeances, Dakotas, Tiger Moths, Beauforts and Liberators.

John was discharged on 7 May 1946, having attained the rank of Flying Officer.