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“The goal beyond the prize”: Lacrosseur gives his life [WW1 obituary for Francis William (Frank) Roberts, 23 September 1918]

25 April 2023 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This obituary for Francis William (Frank) Roberts (1888-1918) was published in The Herald (Melbourne, Vic.), 23 September 1918. Frank Roberts was an Australian soldier, who was killed in action on 1 September 1918, during the First World War (1914-1918).]

“The goal beyond the prize”

Lacrosseur gives his life.

Photo of Private Francis William (Frank) Roberts, who died on active service, World War OneInformation has been received that Private Francis William (Frank) Roberts, son of Mr and Mrs J. G. Roberts, of “Eumana,” Hastings Road, Upper Hawthorn, was killed in action on Sunday, September 1, after two years four months’ service. Deep sympathy is felt for his parents in their loss. As those know who have been privileged to read his letters, he was endowed with a kindly humor and a quiet heroism which enabled him nobly to face the emergencies inseparable from the way of life he had chosen. None who knew him will doubt that he walked undismayed the ways of death.

He was educated at Camberwell State school, the South Melbourne College, and Stott’s Business College, and for three years was on the staff of the Bank of Australasia. He was a keen player of lacrosse, first with Hawthorn, and later with Essendon’s first team. At the time of enlistment he was an orchardist at “Sunnyside,” South Sassafras.

Shortly after enlisting he married Miss Ruby Barratt, daughter of Mr and Mrs G. G. Barratt, of Warwick Farm, Olinda, and a daughter has been born since Private Roberts left for the front.

He joined the 21st (Vic.) Battalion in France on November 7, 1917, and saw heavy fighting in the succeeding ten months. He had qualified for a commission, having passed with success through the officers’ training course at Duntroon, and again at Tidworth (England). Just prior to his departure for England he was Acting-Sergeant-Major at Broadmeadows, and he was Acting Sergeant on his transport. His father is well known as an Accountant to the Melbourne Tramway Board, and his uncle, Mr W. J. Roberts, is Chairman of the Melbourne Stock Exchange.



Source:
The Herald (Melbourne, Vic.), 23 September 1918, p. 2 (Final Edition)

Editor’s notes:
The text under the photograph in this article, “Pte. W. F. Roberts”, should read “Pte. F. W. Roberts”.

Filed Under: articles Tagged With: 500x500, Frank Roberts (1888-1918) (subject), graphics added, military obituaries WW1, obituaries, SourceTrove, year1918

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