The AIF Project

Joseph Alfred ROBERTS

Regimental number20215
Place of birthSydney, New South Wales
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationCabinetmaker
AddressSouth Brisbane, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation28
Height5' 9.5"
Weight190 lbs
Next of kinFather/Grandparent, John Roberts, address unknown; Mrs Maria Candy, Glebe Street, Sydney, New South Wales
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date9 July 1917
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll19 July 1917
Place of enlistmentBrisbane, Queensland
Rank on enlistmentSapper
Unit nameField Company Engineers, September 1917 Reinforcements
AWM Embarkation Roll number14/42/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A71 Nestor on 21 November 1917
Rank from Nominal RollSapper
Unit from Nominal Roll13th Field Company Engineers
FateReturned to Australia 9 August 1919
Discharge date22 November 1919
Other details

'One of a vast army tramping the country in a vain search for work, Joseph Alfred Roberts, aged 40, 13th F.C. Engrs., died in Crookwell Hospital on May 4 from peritonitis. Though stricken with violent pains, Roberts, who was penniless, refrained from seeing a doctor until three days later when he was then practically beyond human aid. Two operations were performed in an attempt to save his life, and he showed an indomitable spirit and bore up with the greatest cheerfulness. He thanked local officials at the R.S.L. for the kindly treatment he received. The Crookwell sub-branch made arrangements for his funeral, which was attended by many Diggers.'

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Ceramic', 9 August 1919; disembarked Sydney, 23 October 1919, for onward travel to Brisbane; discharged (termination of period of enlistment), Sydney, 22 November 1919.

Medal: British War medal.
Date of death4 May 1931
Age at death40
Place of burialCrookwell Cemetery, New South Wales
SourcesNAA: B2455, ROBERTS Joseph Alfred

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