1989 Pte William M Roberts, 1/6th Bn, Welsh Regt

1989 Private William Mates Roberts of the 1/6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment died of wounds on the 29th August 1915. He was born at Aberavon, was living at Penygraig when he enlisted, and joined up at Swansea. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records that he was 38 years old and the cousin of Rachel Harwood of High Street, Swansea.

William's number dates to the second week of August 1914 and so he was an early volunteer. His medal index card notes that he arrived overseas in France on the 29th August 1914 and thus, had he survived, he would have been entitled to wear the 1914 Star and the clasp that designated him as an Old Contemptible. His MIC also notes the appointment of Lance-Corporal and it is this which is impressed upon his 1914 Star, whilst the rank of Private appears on his British war and Victory medals. He is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Sources:
Ancestry (MIC)
Commonwealth War Graves Commission