I found Donald Roberts’s name on the CWGC website when I was looking for any Saltney men who were not on the Saltney War Memorial.
Donald Roberts was born in the December quarter of 1885, registration district of Chester. (Cheshire West CAS/66/3).
His parents Richard Harry Roberts and Anna M. Boddy had married in a Civil Marriage (or Registrar Attended. Cheshire West ROC/19/10).
The 1891 census shows his family living at 33, Chester Street, Chester. (St. Mary’s without the Walls). His father Richard H. Roberts, 31, was a Railway Clerk, born in Chester, as was his wife Anna M., 27. Donald 5, had been born in Balderton, Cheshire. There was a boarder, Margaret A. Mc Larrin,(sic) 26 an Assistant in a Ladies Out fitting Shop (Dress). Another child George, 6, was living with his Grandfather George Boddy, 70, and a Brick & Pipe Maker and his grand-daughter Emily, age 20, a Servant , all had been born in Dodleston and was living there on this 1891 census.
The 1901 census tells us that the family had moved to 11, Chester Street, Lache-cum-Saltney, Chester, Cheshire (St. Mary’s Ward). Father Richard Harry Roberts, 40, was still a Railway Clerk and his wife Anna M. was now age 36. A son George W. age 17 was a Railway Clerk and born Balderton, as had Donald, 15. Grace M., 9 and son Norris, 2 had been born in Saltney. There were 2 Cousins in the household, Ellen McLennan, 39 had been born in Spain, (Naturalized British Subject) and Margaret Ann McLennan, 36, a Ladies Outfitter (Clothier) (Employer) had been born in Liverpool.
Donald is not with the family on the 1911 census he was with his cousins Arthur & Clara Elizabeth King and son John Tavo at 147, Melford Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. (7 rooms). Donald , a Cousin and Visitor, age 25 and a Local Gov’t Board Auditors Clerk says he was born in Chester. A Servant Lilian Taylor, 16 had been born Bishop’s Stoke, Hampshire.
That same census sees his parents and siblings living at “Ivyholme”, Saltney, Chester. Richard Harry Roberts, 50, tells us that he and his wife Anna M., 45, had been married for 37 years and that 5 children had been born, but sadly 1 died. Daughter Grace M., 19, single and a G.P.O. Telephonist and son Norris,12, cousins Rachael Ellen MacLennan,(sic) 48, with no occupation and Margaret Ann MacLennan (sic), 45, a Ladies, Children’s Outfitter (Dealer) and Employer, who were both single, made up the household.
Donald Roberts in the UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919 tells us that his residence was Saltney, Chester and he enlisted in Chester, it also confirms his regimental information.
Donald Roberts in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 tell that he was presumed dead on or since 28th March 1918 and his Legatees who were his sister Grace M. who received £19 3s 6d and brother Norris who received £9 11s 9d on the 28th April 1920, this included his War Gratuity of £20 10s.0d.
Donald Roberts in the British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920 does not tell us his first Theatre Of War nor when he entered it.
Private Donald Roberts in the Global, Find A Grave Index for Burials at Sea and other Select gives us 2 photos. Many thanks to the people who take the time to do this. – http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-…
Commonwealth War Graves Commission additional Information: – Son of Mr. R. H. and Mrs. A. M. Roberts, of “Ivyholme”, Saltney, Chester. Auditor (Local Government Board, Whitehall). So it look as though Donald had progressed up into a very prestigious job before he entered the War.
