Edward Frederick Roberts MC

Rank:

Captain

Unit at enlistment:

Railway Construction Troops Draft

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Cemetery:

Farringdon Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario

Awards or decorations:

Military Cross

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

Brantford, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

39 Palmerston Avenue, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

39 Palmerston Avenue, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Railway Construction

Employer:

Dominion Steel Co.

Religious denominations:

Methodist

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Gallantry medals:

Yes

Letters and documents

London Gazette: 30997
Date: November 7, 1918
Honour or Award: Military Cross
Name: Roberts, Edward Frederick (Lieutenant)
Unit: Canadian Railway Troops

Details: For conspicuous gallantry at the railway yards. While the track was repeatedly being blown up by shell fire, this officer, by his courage and untiring efforts, succeeded in repairing the breaks and in evacuating a large quantity of valuable rolling stock, which the enemy was endeavoring to destroy. His skill and daring were entirely responsible for the work being completed.

BC October 15, 1918

Lieutenant Edward Frederick Roberts Wins Military Cross

Word has been received that Lieutenant Fred Roberts, son of Mrs. Walter Roberts, 39 Palmerston Avenue, has been awarded the Military Cross.

It appears that during the German offensive in August a number of locomotives and other rolling stock very badly needed by the French came under enemy fire and were in imminent danger of being taken. Lieut. Roberts and the men in his platoon at the risk of their lives worked all day and one night repairing track under very heavy fire. Thirty breaks in the tracks were repaired, four of them under a string of locomotives. These had to be jacked up and a new track built under them. When all was ready to pull the engine out, a German plane suddenly appeared flying so low that the observer was plainly visible. Seven bombs were dropped at close range, but fortunately no damage was done. A British plane then approached and engaged the enemy and while the fight was in progress the locomotives and rolling stock pulled to a place of safety.

Lieutenant Edward Frederick Roberts before enlisting was employed at the Dominion Steel Products Company. He went over with the Railway Construction Corps and has been in France since February last.

BX June 9, 1961

ROBERTS – Suddenly in Lisbon, Portugal, Edward Frederick Roberts in his 71st year, beloved husband of Etta Dalton Roberts; dear father of John Roberts and George Hawken; and brother of Mrs. George (Constance) Wilcox, Brantford; Mrs. George (Janet) Harold, Victoria B.C.; and Mrs. Harry (Margaret) Lusby, Farmington, Conn. Resting at Thorpe Brothers’ Funeral Home, 96 West Street from Saturday evening. Service at Brant Avenue United Church Monday, June 12 at 2 p.m. Interment, Farringdon Burial Ground.