Major General, Frank Crowther ROBERTS VC, DSO, OBE, MC. Born 2nd June 1891 at Highbury, London, died 12th January 1982 at Stanhope, Bretby. Commemorated on the Wragg Family Memorial, St Wystan Churchyard, Bretby, Derbyshire.
Served with the Worcestershire Regiment. Royal Warwickshire Regiment Brigade Major for 23 Infantry Brigade. G.O.C. 48 Infantry Division (T.A.). Husband of Winifred Wragg, and lived in Bretby. He died at his home in Bretby, Derbyshire aged 90. His nickname was Culley. Ashes interred in this churchyard.
Edinburgh Gazette dated 10 January 1918.
D.S.O. Citation.
Capt. Frank Crowther Roberts, D.S.O., Worcestershire Regiment.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During two days' very hard fighting he showed marked skill and resource under adverse circumstances, and throughout kept a firm grip of the situation. It was largely due to his excellent staff work that the brigade was able to hold its objectives against heavy counter-attacks; and, in addition, the daring personal reconnaissances which he made under heavy fire were of the greatest value to headquarters throughout the whole
Action
London Gazette dated 8 May 1918
Victoria Cross citation Acting Lieutenant Colonel commanding 1 Worcestershire Regiment
During the period 22 March/2 April 1918 west of Somme and at Pargny, France, Lieutenant Colonel Roberts showed exceptional military skill in dealing with the many very difficult situations of the retirement and amazing endurance and energy in inspiring all ranks under his command. On one occasion the enemy attacked a village and had practically cleared it of our troops when Colonel Roberts got together an improvised party and led a counter-attack which temporarily drove the enemy out of the village, thus covering the retirement of troops on their flanks. The success of this action was entirely due to his personal valour and skill.
http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/o_roberts
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Crowther_Roberts
http://vconline.org.uk/frank-c-roberts-vc/4588053492
