Heslop's Local Advertiser 15/05/1917
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
John Roberts was born at Seaton Deleval, Northumberland in 1897, one of 6 children of whom only 5 survived, he was the 2nd born of 3 sons and 3 daughters, his brother Joseph born in 1900 died in 1901. His father Charles Jonathan Roberts, known as Jonathan, born March 10th 1865 originated form Cripplegate, London, however between 1881 and 1890 had moved north to Bradford, Yorkshire where he met and married in 1890 Sophia Ellen Wallett an actress. Her father was a photographer and this may have influenced Jonathan as he too in 1901 is listed, living in a tenement at Club Row, Holmes Buildings, with his wife and 5 children, as a photographer for his own account. Even after their marriage his wife continued her career as an actress. They left Yorkshire between 1893 and 1895 settling at Houghton-le-Spring, then moving to Seaton Deleval and finally by 1900 to Felling, Gateshead, County Durham. In 1911 they occupied 3 rooms at 32, Dorothy Street, Felling, their eldest son Charles was married and living for his own account, Nellie (18) and Ada (16) were employed as drug store assistants, John (14) and Mary (9) although of school age are not listed as such.
John Roberts enlisted at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, November 26th 1914 assigned as Private 1320 23rd (4th Tyneside Scottish) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, one of four Pals Battalion raised by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle. After initial training at home all 4 battalion moved to a camp in the grounds of Alnwick castle in March 1915 where they formed the 102nd Brigade, 34th Division in June 1915. Taken over by the War Office August 15th 1915 they moved to Salisbury Plain for final training before departing to France in January 1916 concentrating at La Crosse, near St. Omer. All four battalions were moved in June to the Somme in preparation for the offensive due to take place June 29th 1916. This was delayed until July 1st due to wet weather, during the Battle of Albert July 1st-13th 1916 the Division captured Montauban, Mametz, Fricourt, Contalmaison and La Bosselle.
At the first opportunity to hold roll-call Private Roberts was reported as missing and after further investigation his family was informed in May 1916 that he was presumed dead. It was not until after Armistice and the clearing of the battlefields that remains were found at map reference 57d. A. 13. a. 70. 05. the original cross which had marked the grave had been destroyed, however, a disc confirmed the identity as that of Private Roberts.
Private 23/1320 John Roberts Northumberland Fusiliers is deemed to have died, on or since, July 1st 1916, his remains were brought into London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval, Somme, France, for burial with all honour and reverence by an Army chaplain. He is at rest grave 1. B. 13, at the time of his demise he was 19 years old and single.
His father received all monies due to him and his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal sent to him at 42, Chilside Road, Felling, Gateshead, County Durham.
Charles Jonathan Roberts died aged 58 years in 1923, his mother Sophia Ellen Roberts nee Wallett in 1937 aged 69, both registered at Gateshead.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Heslop's Local Advertiser 15/05/1917 reports:
Private John Roberts (or Hilt), N.F., missing July 1st, 1916, now reported killed, aged 19.
John Roberts is remembered at Felling on F32.07
