George Roberts is my maternal Great Grandfather. Until I became passionate about tracing my family history, I did not even know his name. Now i know his background, where he was born, who he married and sadly, how he died.

George was born in Chiswick in 1884 the son of George Roberts, a boiler maker, and Eliza Fitzwater. in 1907 he married Ada Ferris and had 3 children including my Grandfather, George Roberts.

George volunteered for service on 28th January 1915 at the age of 30 and was posted to France. His death was reported in the local newspaper. His commanding officer, Capt Marsden RE wrote "he was killed by a shell which struck the billet occupied by my mounted men" "he had been with me since the formation of the company and I always found him a steady, reliable soldier and man"

I had the privilage to visit George's grave in Mazingarbe a few years ago, the first of his family to do so. It was a very moving experience which I will never forget.

His memory now lives on in our family.

G

Jane Munday