Thursday 21 May 2015

Roberts, George Wallace - Rifleman (9664)

Rifleman George W Roberts
9th Battalion,
Kings Royal Rifle Corps,
Reported missing 24th August 1916 and presumed to have been killed on that date
Age 26
Commemorated on Thepval Memorial

Newspaper Report:

HER ONLY CHILD

HASLINGDEN SOLDIER REPORTED KILLED AFTER BEING SEVEN MONTHS MISSING.

The sympathy of all will go out to Mrs. Roberts, of 19 George Street, Haslingden in the great loss she has sustained by the death in action of her only child, Rifleman George Wallace Roberts, aged 26, who served his apprenticeship to the painting trade under Mr. Hoyle and was a scholar at the Church Day School, afterwards attending the Parish Church.
Missing since 24th August 1916, his mother's suspense was only ended last week-end by official news that he was killed on that date.
Deceased joined the Army on 24th January 1915, and had been at the front for 18 months. Following a short leave, he returned to France on 12 May last.

Newspaper Memorial:

In loving memory of my dear Son, Rifleman George Wallace Roberts, who was killed in action 24th August, 1915.

"To a grave far away,
A fond mother's thoughts wander day by day;
Unknown by the world, he stands by my side.
And whispers "Dear mother, Death cannot divide."


Days of sadness still come over me
My tears in silence often flow
Memory keeps my loved ones near me
Though he died five years ago

From his loving Mother.