IN OUR news pages, it is often our very sad task to record the passing of notable military veterans. For the most part, these are high profile individuals who performed well-known deeds, were members of elite units or else were highly decorated and honoured. However, and whilst such accolades through obituaries are both appropriate and richly deserved, it is often the case that those ‘who also served’ are singularly overlooked when it comes to the recording of their passing. Therefore, Britain at War magazine will endeavour to tell the stories, from time to time, of less well-known individuals when they leave us, and this month Mark Hillier has regrettably reported on the sad passing of former Chief Technician Joe Roddis (Retd.) who died at his home on 17 April, aged 96.
Joe was, however, quite well known amongst aviation enthusiasts and historians having appeared on television many times, including in documentaries with David Jason and John Sergeant amongst others, to talk about his role as a member of RAF ground crew during the Second World War. Joe was also actively involved in the supporting of Carolyn Grace and her team at the annual gatherings to raise funds for Spitfire ML407 which Joe had ac…
