William John Roberts

Story:
William John Roberts was born at Donhead St. Andrew, Wiltshire, on 31st December 1883 and baptised there on 10th February 1884, the son of John William Roberts and Louisa Roberts (nee Haskell). Just prior the the war William was living and working as a Farm Bailiff at Broad Oak, Semley, Wiltshire, his parents having moved to the Roebuck Inn, Handley, Wiltshire. William enlisted as a Private in the Army Service Corps (Motor Transport) on 25th September 1916 (Service No. DM2/224463). He was transferred to the Labour Corps (699th Agricultural Company) on 24th June 1918 (Service No. LC508850) and then back to the Army Service Corps on 2nd April 1919. During his service he had qualified as a Heavy Goods Lorry Driver and was based solely in the UK. He had married Kate Jenkins at Berwick St. John on 19th February 1917 and she set up home at Water Street, Berwick St. John. William was demobilized on 15th December 1919. Despite exhaustive searches, no medal record can be found. He was recorded living with Kate at Water Street, Berwick St. John, as well as in the 1939 Register and was working as a Gardener. He is thought to have died in 1968. His brother, Arthur George Roberts, also served in the conflict. Source: Based on previous research by Ken Baxter.