R’F’M C F Roberts (1879 – 1918)

Charles Frederick Roberts was born in Stourport in 1879. By 1911 he had moved to Bridgnorth where he was working as head boots at the Crown & Raven Hotel in the High Street. Later that year he married Sarah Miles. The couple later lived at the Bear Inn, North Gate.

Charles joined the Royal Army Service Corps but he was transferred to the 18th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps. He went to Italy with the battalion in November 1917. He was killed in action on 24th March, 1918, shortly after the battalion was recalled to France in March in response to the German Spring Attack.

Rifleman Roberts, 38922, is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. He was awarded the Victory and British Medals. His death was reported in the Bridgnorth Journal on 6th April and 20th April, 1918.

WOUNDED
[Bridgnorth Journal, 29th September, 1917]
Mrs. Roberts, the Bear Inn, North Gate, has this week received information that her husband, Pte. C. F. Roberts, K.R.R., is in hospital in France suffering from wounds to the face received in action.

DIED FROM WOUNDS
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 6th April, 1918]
Mrs. Roberts, the Bear Inn, North Gate, Bridgnorth, has been informed of the death of her husband, Pte. C. F. Roberts, K.R.R., from wounds received in action in France, on the 24th ult. Pte Roberts, who is well-known in Bridgnorth, was wounded in France last year, and when he recovered he served for some time in Italy. He was a favourite with his comrades.

KILLED IN ACTION
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 20th April, 1918]
In our issue of the 6th inst. we briefly stated that information had been received that Pte C. F. Roberts, K.R.R. had died from wounds received in action. Mrs Roberts, the Bear Inn, North Gate, has since received a letter from Sergeant Gentle of her husband’s platoon, expressing sympathy and giving some further particulars of Private Robert’s death, which occurred on the 24th ult. at a village named Fauverill, about two miles from Baupaume. It seems that a shell burst near by where they were, and a piece of shrapnel struck Pte Roberts over the heart killing him instantly. The sergeant adds:- “He will be sadly mourned by all, as he was one of the very best.”