Isaac Roberts
Isaac Roberts from Ystalyfera served with the Royal Army Medical Corps on the Western Front and was killed on 1st June 1918 when German aircraft bombed the hospital in which he was working.
We believe that Isaac Roberts' name has been entered on the memorial erroneously as J Roberts. As we cannot locate a J Roberts, and believe that I Roberts needs to be there, we have made this identification. If anyone knows any different please email yeargroup@hotmail.co.uk.
The information on Isaac Roberts has been compiled from a number of sources, including the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the Labour Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).
| Name | Isaac Roberts |
| Date of Death | 1st June 1918 |
| Place of Death | British hospital near Etaples on the Western Front |
| Age at Death | 38 |
| Unit and Regiment | Royal Army Medical Corps; Saint John's Ambulance |
| Rank | Private |
| Service Number | 48589 |
| Additional Information | Native of Mountain Ash, Glam. Enlisted in Cardiff. Former Miner Hewer in the Diamond Colliery Address 22, College Row, Ystradgynlais, Breconshire. |
| Memorial | ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY - FRANCE; LXV. E. 16. |
| Local Memorials |
Ystradgynlais War Memorial |
| Family Details |
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Deborah Roberts nee DAVIES When Isaac’s father died his mother remarried in 1896. Step-son of Benjamin (Born Cardiganshire 1867) and Deborah THOMAS (Born Cardiganshire 1861) 7 Middle Row Mountain Ash Married Rachael Roberts nee REES Born Ystradgynlais 1878 |
| Known Brothers | |
| Known Sisters |
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 8th June 1918 :-
YSTRADGYNLAIS SOLDIER KILLED IN HOSPITAL RAID
Intimation has been received by his wife that Private Isaac Roberts, of the R.A.M.C. formerly of College Row Ystradgynlais, has died of wounds in France. The notification states that the date is unknown and further particulars will be furnished later. Deceased was an orderly in a hospital behind the lines and it is presumed that he was killed in recent raids by the Huns on our hospitals. He had been in France for 3 years and joined up at the commencement of hostilities.
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 13th July 1918 :-
Mrs. Isaac Roberts, 22 College Row, has received further particulars of the death at a base hospital in France during a Hun raid, of her husband, Private Isaac Roberts of the R.A.M.C. (St. John’s Section). He was killed at the post of duty. A friend of Private Roberts, Private F. Pendry, has sent a letter describing the sad circumstances and has also undertaken to return deceased’s cap, badge etc. He states that the local hero was mourned by all and was buried by a congregational minister, all the Welsh boys in the neighbourhood attending. The Right Hon. Evelyn Cecil M.P., Secretary General to the St. John’s Association, has also written as follows:
“It is with much regret that we have heard here of the death of your husband, Private I. Roberts, in the hostile air raid on the St. John Ambulance Brigade hospital at Etaples and I am instructed by the Order of St. John to express to you their sincere sympathy and to convey their appreciation of the untiring energy and devotion shown by Private Roberts in all his work.
The members of the Order are very sensible of the constant attention and care, which he gave to all his duties as a member of the St. John Ambulance Brigade and they are indignant at the tragic circumstances in which he met his death by enemy action whilst they were bombing the hospital.”
His Lieutenant Colonel in France also pays a high tribute to his devotion and courage and says he is joined by all the staff in expressing sympathy. R.S.M. G. T. Davies, of Pontardawe, tenders sympathy on behalf of the Valley boys. Private Roberts was killed, he says, while attending to his patients. Private Henry Arnold of Ystalyfera also writes very sympathetically.
A striking tribute to Roberts is paid in lines written by Lieut-Colonel J.E.H. Davies, when he says that no man worked harder or more conscientiously than Private Roberts, nor showed greater pluck. He was always one to assist others and whilst in the field had gone out to collect wounded regardless of personal danger. He was an influence for good amongst others.
Before joining in December 1915, Private Roberts was employed at the Diamond Colliery. He is the son of Mrs. B. Thomas Mountain Ash.
Mrs. Roberts desires to thank all who have expressed sympathy with her in her sad bereavement and particularly to the above mentioned members of H. M. Forces.
From the Labour Voice:-
IN MEMORIAM I ROBERTS
In loving memory of my I dear husband, Isaac Roberts, R.A.M.C. who was killed at Etaples in an air raid by the Germans on June 1st, 1918.
Isaac fondly remembered by his widow - Mrs. Rachel Roberts of 22, College-row Ystradgynlais & his parents - Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Roberts, Mountain Ash.
We never thought when he left home He would no more return,
That he so soon in death would sleep and leave us all to mourn.
Just when his hopes were brightest, just when his life was best,
He answered the call of his country and stood with the boys unto death.