R T Roberts (1895 – 1919)

Richard Thomas Roberts was born in Shrewsbury in about 1895. He was the son of Richard Roberts, a coach painter, and his wife Harriet. In 1911 the family lived in North Gate, Bridgnorth. When he left school, Richard junior worked as a coach painter.

Richard joined the 4th King's Shropshire Light Infantry (as Private 3001) before being transferred to the Royal Garrison Artillery in the 42nd Anti-Aircraft Battery (as Private 184487). He does not appear to have been awarded any medals so it is likely that all his service was at home (42 Company RGA was based at Portsmouth). Richard survived the war but died on the first of March, 1919, probably of influenza. He is buried in Bridgnorth Cemetery. His funeral was reported in the Bridgnorth Journal on 15th March.

FUNERAL OF AN EX-SOLDIER
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 15th March, 1919]
On Wednesday, the 5th inst., the funeral took place at Bridgnorth Cemetery of Richard Thomas Roberts, eldest son of Mr. R. Roberts, North Gate, Bridgnorth. The deceased had only recently been discharged from the Army. The Rev. Prebendary Clark-Maxwell read the burial service, and six of his old pals were the bearers. Beautiful wreaths were sent by relatives and friends.