William Soloman Roberts
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Worksop born couple, George Roberts and Sarah Elizabeth Clarke, married in Worksop in 1874. George worked in the timber business and lived in Kilton Road in the early days of their marriage. They had 3 boys and 3 girls all born to them in Worksop, namely, George Henry born 1879, Mary E born 1881, William S born 1887, Emma born 1889, Frederick born 1892 and Beatrice May born 1895. In 1901 they were residing at 49 Portland Street, Worksop and by 1911 were at number 1 Manvers Street. When at working age, all 3 boys were employed doing various jobs in the local collieries and when the call came to join the colours, all 3 volunteered . George Henry and William both were killed and Fred was discharged no doubt through disability caused by the war. It is belived that Frederick William Roberts Wheeler born on 6th July 1912 was the son of George Arthur Wheeler and Sophia Wheeler (née Hammer). George Wheeler probably left his wife , after the birth of their son and Sophia became the common law wife of William Soloman Roberts after 1911. The army relatives form (afw 5080 ) submitted by the deceased next of kin was submitted by Sophia Wheeler who was show as Williams widow and lived at 5 House, 1 Court, Norfolk Street, Worksop with her son Frederick W R Wheeler
William attested at Worksop on 27th August 1914 , he gave his age as 29 years , and his next of kin as his father George Roberts of 1 Manvers Street, Worksop. He went out and joined the British Epeditionary Force in France on 17th December 1914 and was promoted to lance Corporal on 19th December 1915. He was promoted to Sergeant on 8th May 1918 .He was reported missing in action on 27th may 1918 and later confirmed as killed in action on that date. His body was never recovered or identified and his name is commemorated on Soissons Memorial, France.
Sergt Wm S Roberts Worksop Guardian 27 June 1919 The War Office have intimated to Mr and Mrs G Roberts of Manvers Street, Worksop, that they are “regretfully constrained to conclude,” that their son, Sergt Wm Roberts, Notts and Derbys, who was reported missing on May 27th 1918, was killed in action on or about that date. Sergt Roberts, who was 33 years of age, and single, joined up with the first batch of Kitchener’s Army and his excellent quality as a soldier was unquestionably borne out by his quick promotion. He was out in France for just four years and three months, and went through numerous thrilling and daring adventures in the many battles in which he saw service. At the time he met his death, he was in charge of a relief party, the officer having been killed. They were told by the men going off duty that taking up the position meant certain death, and sure enough, a short time after, the party came under terrific fire from the German guns, and the majority were wiped out. Sergt Roberts death must have been instantaneous. Mr and Mrs Roberts have also lost their elder son, George, who also a single man, joined up in the 7th Lincolns. He was 42 years of age. It is sacrifice such as this that has bought peace at last to the world and in this, their double bereavement, Mr and Mrs Roberts have the sincere sympathy of many friends. Research by Colin Dannatt
