Eldest son of Herbert Frank and Caroline Emma Roe, of 8, Craufurd Rise, Maidenhead. Educated Portsmouth grammar school; Naval Cadet School 1890. Served with the Royal Navy till 1907; Queen's Medal for his services during the South African War; enlisted as a Rifleman; to France as a Corpl. November 1914; 2nd Lt. February 1915; Capt. June 1915; two times severely wounded; returned to France March 1916. ref. South African Roll of Honour 1914-1918
DCM LG Sup 18 February 1915 pg. 1705 - "For gallant conduct on 18th December 1914, in voluntarily going to reconnoitre the enemy's trenches and remaining out for a period of three hours in a position of danger". MID LG 1 January 1916 pg. 56