This Isaac Roberts enlisted in Shotton. This so far is the only connection with Flintshire that I have been able to make.
Isaac was born in Oswestry about 1881. In the census of that year he was living with his family at 7, Cambrian Square, Oswestry, Shropshire. Head of the household was father Edward Roberts, 29, a General Labourer, born in Oswestry. His wife was Ann Roberts, 33, who had been born in Berriew, Montgomeryshire. Ann’s son by a previous marriage was John T. Tilley, 14 a Grocer’s Messenger. Their children were Edward Roberts, 9, William, 6, Eliizabeth A. 4, Louisa, 2 and Isaac age 8 months. All the children had been born in Oswestry.
By 1891 the family had moved up the road to Vine Cottages, Albert Road, Oswestry in 4 rooms. Father Edward, 39 was a Gas Fitter ( Lock), Ann, 44 had be born in New Mills, Montgomery. The listed children were Edward, 19 a Bricklayer’s Labourer and William, 17 a Printer’s Apprentice Isaac 11, Henry 9 and Louisa 13 were scholars. David who was age 4 completed the household.
The 1901 census shows that Edward was secure in his job as a Fitter at the Gas Works they were living at the Gas Works Cottage, Oswestry. Edward, 49 and Ann, 53, had only 3 children with them on this census. Daughter Louisa, 23 was a Laundress (Wash) on her own a/c at home. Isaac, 21 was a Labourer at the Gas Works. David was 14.
Isaac was to marry in 1908 and I believe that his marriage was in Oswestry (Oswestry Vol. 6a- Page 1547), but would need to get the certificate to confirm.
Isaac, 30, was recorded on the 1911 census living at 41, Ashby Road, Hugglescote, Leicester. He was head of the household and a Coal Miner Hewers Loader. His new wife, Catherine, 32 had been born in Ellesmere, Salop. They had been married 3 years and had a daughter Louisa Mary, age 1 born in Ibstock, Leicestershire.
So Isaac was prepared to travel for work and I do believe he moved to Deeside after the 1911 census, but I cannot trace them here, except that Isaac enlisted in Shotton, so any help would be appreciated.
Isaac is named on the Memorial Plaque in St.Mark’s Church, Connah’s Quay.
He is mentioned in the book “Soldiers Died in the Great War. Royal Welsh Fusiliers Volume 28”, again this states he enlisted in Shotton.
Isaac Roberts in the UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919 confirms his regimental details and tells us that he was born in Oswestry, Salop, but enlisted in Shotton, Flintshire.
British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920 lists his medals but does not tell us where his first Theatre of War was not when he entered it.
Isaac Roberts in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 tells us that the sole Legatee was his widow, for herself and the children, and who was paid £3. 2s 11d on the 10th September 1918 and his War Gratuity of £3 on the 5th November 1919.
The War Diaries of the 14th Bn of The Royal Welsh Fusiliers for the 1st and 2nd September 1917 are available on www.ancestry.co.uk or contact for the details Mavis Williams via the website
