Frank Edgerton Howes Roberts was born in Saint Asaph, Flintshire in 1892.
The 1901 Census on Ancestry.co.uk shows that the Roberts family were residing at Bodhaulog, Saint Asaph. the Head of the household was Thomas Howes Roberts age 54 a native of Saint Asaph and a Barrister at Law. His wife Eleanor Frost Roberts nee Jones age 49 was born in Shrewsbury, Salop and the children living at home in 1891 were, Henry Howes age 21, Hilda Howes age 19, Frank Edgerton Howes age 8, all born in Saint Asaph. There was also a Servant in residence by the name of Ada Kelly age 18 born in Liverpool.
Frank’s father Thomas died in 1907.
Ten years on the 1911 Census reveals that Frank Edgerton Howes Roberts, age 18 was living with his brother Ivor, age 27, born in 1884 as Boarders at 53, Bradbourne Street, Fulham, London. His trade was given as Insurance Clerk and his brother was a Bank Clerk.
UK WW1 Service Medals and Award Rolls 1914-1920 on Ancestry.co.uk
I cannot find a Service Record for Frank but we know that he enlisted into the 26th Battalion of The Royal Fusiliers and entered the first Theatre of War on 7th July 1916 and was transferred to the 9th Battalion Royal Fusiliers a week later on 15th July1916 and sadly Killed in Action three weeks later on 4th August 1916 possibly during the battle of Pozieres, Somme.
Information from the website of The Long Long Trail.
The Battle of Pozieres
After short spells at Bus-les-Artois and in the front line at Beaumont Hamel, the Division moved back to the Ovillers area for an operation north and northwest of Pozieres designed to destroy the enemy garrison holding Thiepval. On 3 August, an attack aimed at capturing 4th Avenue Trench was successful and pushed on to Ration Trench next day. German counter attacks including flamethrowers were beaten off over the next few days. An attack on 8 August to finally capture the stubborn enemy Point 77 failed with heavy casualties to 7th Sussex. Severe local fighting continued for five more days, when the Division was relieved and moved to the area of Doullens. Casualties since 28 July amounted to 126 officers and 2739 men.
Soldiers who Died in the Great War on Ancestry.co.uk
This document reveals that Frank enlisted in Kensington and that his residential address was Parsons Green, London.
Frank was awarded The British War Medal and The Victory Medal.
Frank is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.
