Arthur Roberts

Arthur Roberts

Personal Details

Arthur was born in Wirswall, Whitchurch in 1878, the fifth son of Henry and Elizabeth Roberts.

Husband of Sarah Ellen (nee Davies) Roberts, of 16 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch, and father of William Arthur, Jessie May and George.

Arthur worked as a Gardener before joining the Army.

Military Details

Regiment : 7th (Service) Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry
Rank : Private
Service Number : 24756

Died of Illness; France 9th March 1917 Age 39

Medals and Awards
Arthur was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals


Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.



Further Information

Whitchurch Herald 31st March 1917


Report in the Whitchurch Herald 31st March 1917 regarding the death of Arthur Roberts
Letter of condolence sent by his Commanding Officer, Chaplain and Platoon Sgt;

"Private Roberts proved himself a good soldier, who will be greatly missed by his comrades for his quite willing and unobtrusive way of helping others. He had not been well for some time, but did not feel ill enough to see the Doctor, and was out on a working party when he suddenly fell down and passed away peacefully, before help could be obtained."

Whitchurch Herald 31st March 1917



If you can provide any further information on Arthur Roberts please get in touch by leaving a comment below, using our Contact Form or by calling in to Whitchurch Heritage Centre.


Information provided by Terry Evanson Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives


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