Colour Sergeant Thomas Roberts born 1870/Photo Info

Dinbych · 17-10-2007, 16:58

Thomas Roberts 1839, born in 1870 in Denbigh served with D Company 4th Battallion from 1908-1916. Can anyone advise how I would find some details about his South Africa Service,please? He is recorded as having served with the 1st Vol Battallion RWF and received the South Africa Medal with Natal Clasp. Would his number have been the same as above for his Boer War Service? Many thanks.

**ap1** · 17-10-2007, 19:42

The 1st Bn served in South Africa from 1900. Thomas Roberts would have be aged 30, so its a fair guess that he was a regular soldier before his later service with the Denbigh Militia. In regimental records it makes mention of a Cpl Roberts who was dangerously wounded, during an incident in the Boer War in which a Lt Salt saved both Cpl Roberts and a private soldiers life.

Anyway, a couple of our members have the South Africa rolls, and should be able to tell you more.

Incidentally, did Tom Roberts survive the Great War?

Dinbych · 29-11-2007, 14:06

I would appreciate it if anyone is able to interpret any aspect of this photograph. I do know it is Colour Sergeant Thomas Roberts but would like to have information about the uniform, what can be gleaned from the Medals or the Cup or the gun or anything else that might strike you.

josk77 · 29-11-2007, 17:49

Hi
The crossed rifles means he was a qualified marksman, the way he is dressed with the cup/Trophy next to him im assuming he probably won a skill at arms competition of some sort. The cup/Trophy it self resembles one we have in our silver collection in the WOs&Sgts mess i will have a look and see whats subscribed on the Cup/Trophy. As for the Medals i do not know.

Josk

**ap1** · 29-11-2007, 18:18

Its possible that Cup may be in the 1st Bn's silver room. If you ask one of the Cyprus boys may check for you. We have had success with this before, and located cups, still in existence. As this thread shows: http://rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin/sho...light=shooting

Incidentally, you did previously post about this man but failed to further respond to my reply!.

http://www.rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin...ead.php?t=4020

Dinbych · 29-11-2007, 20:28

Hello, He did survive, I'm pleased to say. Family tales don't say that he was wounded in the Boer War but neither do they say that he wasn't! Trouble with his name is that it is not uncommon.

**ap1** · 29-11-2007, 20:45

Thanks Dinbych,

Its possible one of our members has medal Rolls from South Africa, and can advise you further.

**Aled Roberts** · 30-11-2007, 00:37

Evening

On the basis of a single bar, Natal, to Roberts - best fit is 7383 Sgt T Roberts - 1st Vol Coy. Noted on roll as Invalided to cape Town.

Richard

Other possibles : (many mistakes were made with initials so do not assume)

No Rank Name Init
7398 Pte Roberts A. (4 clasps)
7347 Pte Roberts N (2 clasps Died)
7383 Sgt Roberts T. (1 clasp)
7336 Cpl Roberts W.(2 Clasps)

Dinbych · 30-11-2007, 20:17

Much appreciated, thanks to everyone who has added to our family's knowledge about Thomas Roberts.

Dinbych · 01-12-2007, 16:07

I think Richard's surmise that he was 7383 Sgt T Roberts - 1st Vol Coy. Noted on roll as Invalided to cape Town, is likely to be the one as he was promoted to Sgt 2.12.99 and didn't become Colour Sergeant until 1905. He joined in 1889. Am I right in thinking that the 1st Vol Coy were Territorials and were always part of the RWF and not linked with the Denbighshire Yeomanry? This was the time of the Tithe Wars, I think?