Richard Thomas Roberts, London Regiment

The Battalion was formed in August 1914 at 71 New Street, Kennington Park Road as part of 6th London Brigade, 2nd London Division. It moved on mobilisation to the St. Albans area. Landed at Le Havre on 16 March 1915. It became the 142nd Brigade in the 47th (2nd London) Territorial Division.

Private Roberts entered France on 30 June 1915. In September 1915 his Battalion was heavily involved in the Battle of Loos (25 September - 18 October 1915). The preparatory artillery bombardment that was expected to destroy the German heavily wired defences failed. Despite tremendous effort the British Divisions failed to hold and consolidate ground throughout the action. Much loss of life occured with complete Battalions being decimated by concentrated machine gun fire and heavy shelling especially when they advanced over open ground. On 29 September 1915 142nd Brigade of 47th Division relieved 3rd Guards Brigade in Loos and on Hill 70, where there had been continuous heavy fighting. Germans shelled the village with 8-inch guns. It is probable that Private Roberts lost his life during this time of the battle, after surviving many days of extreme danger. Newspaper reports mention that he served with 15 Platoon, D Company.

Son of Jane Roberts of "Glan Aber", 1 Moreton Road, Holyhead and the late Thomas Roberts. In 1911 he was living at 1 Moreton Road, Holyhead with his widowed mother, Jane (52) and siblings, William Roberts (22), a Law Clerk, Lewis Roberts (11) and Lizzie Roberts (15). He was employed as a Draper Assistant. The house was the home of his uncle and aunt, Lewis (63) and Maggie Ellen Roberts (60). His uncle was employed as a Engine Driver (LNWR). His mother was born in Holyhead. He and his siblings were all born at Festinniog, Merionethshire. Also present at the house was Maggie Ellen Thomas (13), a niece of Lewis and Maggie Ellen Roberts.

Awarded the 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France. Panel 130-135. He is also commemorated at Elim Chapel, Thomas Street, Holyhead. He has no known grave. He is remembered on a family grave at Maeshyfryd Cemetery, Holyhead.