Name
John William Roberson
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
26/10/1917
27
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Able Seaman
R/2916
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Anson Bn., Royal Naval Division
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Panel 2 to 3 and 162 to 162A.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
St James' Church Memorial, Watford Fields
Pre War
Son of Esther Louisa (nee GRAVENOR) and the late James William ROBARSON.
His parents married 1 April 1898 [sic] at St Thomas’, Bethnal Green, London. James died 1906 in the Bethnal Green district aged 55; Esther died 1937 in Watford aged 82, and was buried 7 May in Vicarage Road Cemetery, Watford.
John was born 22 September 1890 [sic] in Bethnal Green.
On the 1891 Census, aged 6 months he lived in Bethnal Green, with his parents and two siblings. On the 1901 Census, at school aged 10, he still lived in Bethnal Green, with his parents and four siblings. On the 1911 Census, a greengrocer aged 20, he still lived in Bethnal Green, with his widowed mother and three siblings.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in Stratford, London, 30 June 1916, and was formerly Private 291091 with the 1/7th Cyclist Battalion, Devon Regiment until 15 June 1917.
On 10 July 1917 he proceeded on draft to Anson Battalion as part of the B.E.F.
He was killed or died as a direct result of enemy action; his mother of Hackney, London, was notified of his death.
He was entitled to the Victory and British War medals.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
