WILLIAM ROBERTS 1875–1917

Born on 11th October 1875 in Radcliffe on Trent

Baptised 14th November 1875 St Mary’s Church, Radcliffe on Trent

Died of illness 18th March 1917 in France

Burial: Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Tréport, Seine-Maritime, France. Grave reference IV. C. I0.

Commemorated on Radcliffe on Trent War Memorial.

1891 Census

Age 15, a servant milk seller living at 178 Long Hedge Lane, Sneinton, Notts. Father William and mother Harriet were living on Main Road Radcliffe on Trent with his siblings Edwin age 11 and Ellen age 13. Father died 1896.

1901 Census

Unable to find. His mother Harriet was now married to Thomas Wright, general dealer, and was living on The Green, Radcliffe on Trent with daughter Ellen Roberts, a general dealer’s assistant.

1911 Census

Unable to find. William was on the passenger list of the Dominion, White Star Dominion line on 20 May 1911 which embarked from Liverpool, bound for Quebec. Age 36, occupation labourer.

Military Service

The following information is from Library and Archives Canada www.collectionscanada.gc.ca (Soldiers of the First World War CEF):

Rank: Driver

Service Number: 580

Military Unit: Ammunition Column, Canadian Field Artillery, 2nd Division

Theatre of War: France and Flanders

His Attestation paper was signed in Montreal on 25th November 1914 (plus a second similar Attestation signed on 30th December 1914). Height given as 6ft 1½ins. William stated that he had previously served 7½ years in the Royal Garrison Artillery (11th Southern), England. Next of kin mother, Mrs T. Wright, from Radcliffe on Trent.

From Canada, CEF Commonwealth War Graves Registers, 1914-1919:

‘Died, previously reported dangerously ill, No.16 Gen. Hospital, Le Treport, 18/3/1917 (Nephritis)’. A handwritten note adds ‘Casualty was stated to be Ulcerated Endocarditis’. Next of kin Mrs R H Wright, Radcliffe on Trent.

Medals Awarded: entitled to British War and Victory

Go to WWI Timeline to see how this man’s death is part of the wider story of the war.

Reasons for inclusion on Radcliffe On Trent Roll of Honour

Born in Radcliffe on Trent, mother living in Radcliffe at time of death

Mont Huon Cemetery, France