Honours and Awards

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LEGION OF MERIT - DEGREE of OFFICER (USA)

BIDWELL, Roger Edward Shelford, Captain, RCN, Task Force 24

Issued: 3-Aug-1946, Canada Gazette

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct while serving as Chief Staff Officer to Rear Admiral L.W. Murray, Royal Canadian Navy, in connection with the operations of Task Force TWENTY-FOUR from 13 September 1941 to 30 September 1942. He was in constant communication with Commander Task Force TWENTY-FOUR and his staff in connection with the planning of operations in the operational control of the combined surface forces of Task Force TWENTY-FOUR. His outstanding grasp of escort of convoy and Anti-submarine Warfare Techniques, his unremitting energy, and his intelligent and co-operative attitude were most important factors in the successful operations conducted by Commander Task Force TWENTY-FOUR."

Commander - Order of the British Empire

BIDWELL, Roger Edward Shelford, Captain, RCN

Issued: 15-Jun-1946, Canada Gazette

"Captain Bidwell's numerous important appointments during the war were carried out with initiative, and accuracy and understanding. At the commencement of hostilities, he was serving with the Royal Navy as a Staff Officer (Operations) on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies. In June, 1940, he was appointed to Naval Service Headquarters as Director of Operations, where he served a year prior to his appointment to Newfoundland as Chief of Staff to the Flag Officer, Newfoundland Force. His next appointment was that of Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief, Canadian Northwest Atlantic. In these latter appointments, his organizing and operation of the escort forces in the Atlantic, his endurance under heavy pressure, and his excellent liaison with the United States Forces were an invaluable contribution towards the prosecution of the war. In April 1944, Captain Bidwell was appointed Commanding Officer of HMS Puncher, the Canadian manned aircraft carrier in which appointment he displayed good judgement and leadership to a marked degree."