Frederick Gordon Roberts

Corporal 106554, “D” Battery, 11th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

Born: 1889 

Died: 24 September 1917

Frederick was the fourth and youngest son of Francis Edward and Annie Elizabeth Roberts of High Street, Campden. He was born in the town and baptised at St. James’s Church on 27 July 1890 at the same time as two of his brothers, Douglas Ewart and Russell Edward. His father was a native of Campden and a draper and outfitter by trade, proprietor of “Roberts and Company”, located in Commercial House in the High Street, selling a range of clothes, boots, shoes and haberdashery. His mother was originally from London.

Frederick was educated at Campden Grammar School but as soon as he was old enough to enlist in the army he joined the Royal Engineers and became a wireless operator and was drafted to India. He eventually bought himself out of the army and took up a position as a telegraphist on the railway for the Indian Government.

When war was declared in 1914 Frederick was keen to enlist but it took a while to be released from his position in India. When he was freed he wanted to join the Royal Flying Corps but his request was refused and he eventually joined the Royal Field Artillery and served in France and Belgium. After he had been abroad for over a year he was promoted to corporal in 1917.

Frederick died of wounds on 24 September 1917 aged 28 and is buried in Bleuet Farm Cemetery, Elverdinge near Ypres in Belgium. The dugout that he was in was destroyed by a gas shell and despite treatment in a field dressing station he died of the effects of the gas. The news of his death was conveyed to his parents in a letter from his major, who reported that he was a most intelligent non-commissioned officer, and he had reported his gallantry in action to the brigadier.

Frederick has his name recorded on three memorials in Campden: in Campden School, in St. James’s Church and in the High Street.