[Editor: This post consists of several items regarding the death of Francis William (Frank) Roberts (1888-1918), an Australian soldier, who was killed in action on 1 September 1918, during the First World War (1914-1918).]
Died on service.
ROBERTS. — In loving memory of Francis William Roberts (Frank), killed in action in France on Sunday, 1st September, after two years and four months’ service, late private, No. 6874, C Company, 21st Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, beloved elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Roberts, “Eumana,” 17 Hastings road, Upper Hawthorn, and dear brother of Gwen and Bert, aged 30 years.
ROBERTS. — In fondest memory of Francis William Roberts (Frank), late private, 21st Battalion, A.I.F., killed in action in France on Sunday, 1st September, aged 30 years, dearly loved husband of Ruby May Roberts, loving father of Nancy May, and dear son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Barratt, Warwick Farm, Olinda.
In his latest letter he wrote:— “Death has lost a lot of the terror and mystery it had for me. I’ve seen too much of it over here; it is those left behind that I think about.”
Source:
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 17 September 1918, p. 1, column 1
Deaths. On active service.
ROBERTS. — A tribute to the memory of our dear brother-in-law Francis William Roberts (Frank), late 21st Battalion A.I.F., killed in action in France on 1st September, aged 30 years.
Deeply mourned.
— George (Port Melbourne), William (East Kew), James (Oakleigh), John (South Melbourne), Edward (on active service), Percy (on active service), and Ethel Barratt, Warwick Farm, Olinda.
Source:
The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), 23 September 1918, p. 1, column 1
Australians and the war. Killed in action.
Pte. FRANCIS WILLIAM ROBERTS, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Roberts, of “Eumana,” Hastings-road, Upper Hawthorn, was killed in action on Sunday, 1st September, after two years and four months’ service. For three years he was on the staff of the Bank of Australasia, but for the five years prior to enlistment he was an orchardist at South Sassafras. He joined the 21st Btn. in France on 7th November, 1917, and took part in many severe engagements. He leaves a widow and infant daughter.
Source:
The Age, (Melbourne, Vic.), 24 September 1918, p. 8
Australians on service. Killed.
ROBERTS. — Private Francis William (Frank), son of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Roberts, of Eumana, Hastings road, Upper Hawthorn, was killed in action on September 1, after two years and four months’ service. He was educated at the Camberwell State School and the South Melbourne College, and was for three years on the staff of the Bank of Australasia.
Source:
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 24 September 1918, p. 7
Roll of honor
Private Francis William (Frank) Roberts, well known as a player with Essendon’s first lacrosse team, was killed in action on 1st September.
Source:
The Essendon Gazette, and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic.), 26 September 1918, p. 3 (Morning Edition)
Also published in:
The Flemington Spectator (Moonee Ponds, Vic.), 26 September 1918, p. 3
Editor’s notes:
A.I.F. = Australian Imperial Force; the First Australian Imperial Force was created in 1914 to fight in World War One, the Second Australian Imperial Force was created in 1939 to fight in World War Two
Btn. = an abbreviation of “Battalion”
HMAT = (abbreviation) “Her Majesty’s Australian Transport”, or “His Majesty’s Australian Transport”, depending on the sex of the ruling monarch
Pte. = an abbreviation of “Private” (the lowest rank in the army; aside from “recruit” in the modern army, being someone who has not as yet passed basic training)
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