Gerard Broadmead Roope

Who was Gerard Broadmead Roope?

Lieutenant-Commander Gerard Broadmead Roope VC RN was a posthumous British recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Being a 35-year-old Royal Navy commanding officer, his action was the first awarded a VC in the Second World War, and he is one of very few to have the award justified, in part, by a recommendation and supporting evidence provided by the enemy.