William Roberts (veteran)
Encyclopedia
William Roberts (29 September 1900 - 30 April 2006) was, one of the final surviving British veterans of the First World War
.
As a fourteen-year-old boy Roberts was present in Hartlepool
during the Imperial German Navy
's bombardment.
After Roberts' father was killed in the battle of the Somme
in 1916, he joined the RFC
. William, who worked as an aircraft fitter, claimed to have flown with T. E. Lawrence
.
After the war he became a local authority transport manager.
Roberts lived in Jacksdale
until his death in April 2006 at the age of 105.
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
.
As a fourteen-year-old boy Roberts was present in Hartlepool
Hartlepool
Hartlepool is a town and port in North East England.It was founded in the 7th century AD, around the Northumbrian monastery of Hartlepool Abbey. The village grew during the Middle Ages and developed a harbour which served as the official port of the County Palatine of Durham. A railway link from...
during the Imperial German Navy
Kaiserliche Marine
The Imperial German Navy was the German Navy created at the time of the formation of the German Empire. It existed between 1871 and 1919, growing out of the small Prussian Navy and Norddeutsche Bundesmarine, which primarily had the mission of coastal defense. Kaiser Wilhelm II greatly expanded...
's bombardment.
After Roberts' father was killed in the battle of the Somme
Somme
Somme is a department of France, located in the north of the country and named after the Somme river. It is part of the Picardy region of France....
in 1916, he joined the RFC
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
. William, who worked as an aircraft fitter, claimed to have flown with T. E. Lawrence
T. E. Lawrence
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Edward Lawrence, CB, DSO , known professionally as T. E. Lawrence, was a British Army officer renowned especially for his liaison role during the Arab Revolt against Ottoman Turkish rule of 1916–18...
.
After the war he became a local authority transport manager.
Roberts lived in Jacksdale
Jacksdale
Jacksdale is a small village in the English county of Nottinghamshire that lies approximately 100 metres from the Derbyshire border. It is, in fact, the most western place within the county boundaries. Neighbouring villages include Selston, Brinsley, Pye Hill and Ironville...
until his death in April 2006 at the age of 105.