In memory of Robert Henry Roberts

Portrait of Robert Henry RobersRobert Henry Roberts came from a large family – he had 11 siblings. They lived at Pentre Du crossing cottages, Abergwyngregyn, with their parents Hugh and Ellen. Hugh was a London & North Western Railway platelayer (track maintenance worker).

After his schooling, Robert moved to Barmouth, where he lived at Penlan House. He was known as “Roberts y Star”, because he worked as an assistant at the Star Stores. He taught at the Sunday School in Capel Ebeneser (Wesleyan) and represented the chapel in local groups or committees.

He was asked to be manager of a new branch store in Dolgellau but turned down the job offer in September 1914 to join the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He told his father he had enlisted out of a sense of duty to his country and God.

His battalion, the 7th, took part in the Allies’ disastrous attempt to invade Turkey through the Gallipoli peninsula. It landed on 8 August at Suvla Bay and Robert was reported missing the following day.

In early 1916, Barmouth residents held a sale which raised £20 for “comforts” for the local men in Robert’s battalion. While gifts were sent to the men, Robert’s share of the £20 was placed in a local bank for safekeeping until his return. However, in August 1916 – a year after Robert went missing – the War Office confirmed to the family that he had died.

Robert was 24 years old. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial in Turkey.

A service in his memory was held at Capel Ebeneser schoolroom in September 1916. The minister, Rev EJ Parry, described him as a gifted young man of splendid promise.

Robert was the eldest son. The next oldest brothers also served in the war: Griffith, Hugh and Richard. Hugh was severly wounded in Mesopotamia in 1918.

Return to Abergwyngregyn war memorial page

Return to Barmouth war memorial page

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