Regimental number | 20215 |
Place of birth | Sydney, New South Wales |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Cabinetmaker |
Address | South Brisbane, Queensland |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 28 |
Height | 5' 9.5" |
Weight | 190 lbs |
Next of kin | Father/Grandparent, John Roberts, address unknown; Mrs Maria Candy, Glebe Street, Sydney, New South Wales |
Previous military service | Nil |
Enlistment date | |
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
Place of enlistment | Brisbane, Queensland |
Rank on enlistment | Sapper |
Unit name | Field Company Engineers, September 1917 Reinforcements |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 14/42/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A71 Nestor on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Sapper |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 13th Field Company Engineers |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Discharge date | |
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 death | |
Age at death | 40 |
Place of burial | Crookwell Cemetery, New South Wales |
Sources | NAA: B2455, ROBERTS Joseph Alfred |