No 311 Private William Roberts

Subject: No 311 Private William Roberts Mon Aug 14, 2023 2:12 pm

Hi all

The North Wales Express, 28th ,March 1879 - A letter from a Carnarvon soldier in Zululand:- The anxiety concerning the fate of Private William Roberts, son of Griffith Roberts, driver, Sports Hotel, has been removed, as a letter was received from him on Saturday last.
Writing from camp at Helpmakaar, in February 5th 1879, the young soldier states:- Dear father, mother and brothers all; I write you these words hoping very much that you are in good health, as I am at present; and to God be thanks for having cared for me on land and sea.
Well, dear father and mother, I regret to tell you of the great slaughter that befel our regiment. About four hundred and fifty were killed, and poor Owen Ellis was one of them. It is very probable that you will have heard of this in the newspapers.
Don't tell Owen Ellis' father for a short time. I have been nearly a month without taking my clothes off. The times are very hard here.
Well, I now conclude: I am alive and healthy, and this is the reason why I send to you, so that you might know of this.
We are going to fight the Kaffirs next week: but I hope very much to see you again in Wales. Good night:- No311, Private William Roberts, D Company, 1st-24th regiment, Helpmakaar, .Natal

Posts : 1085 Join date : 2009-10-16

Morning All
William Roberts attested 25 June 1874 age 22 born Llanbeblig Carnarvonshire, Wales. It would seem he lived here most of his life. To 25th Brigade 1/24 No.311. Ex-Carnarvon Royal Rifles No.1847. served 2 months in Gibralter and 4 years 10 months in South Africa 77-78-79 Medal. Whilst in Africa was fined 10 shillings, 4 times, using foul langauge, bringing liqour into camp, Drunk in camp, fighting in camp. Discharged at Gosport 21 April 1880 unfit for further service, heart problem, papers signed by Major Tongue, Much, and Capt Surplice. Final horse guards discharge 28 June 1880, 6 yrs.
1861 and 1871 census Pool Hill Llanbeblig William at school, 1881 census 19 Pool Hill Llanbeblig, Father Griffith Coachman, William Shoemaker. Unfortunately now it becomes rather difficult to find our man as there are 6 william Roberts in Llanbeblig over the next 40 years. I think William marries A Margaret Evans about june Qtr 1882 in Carnarvon District, 1891 and 1901 census 5 Skinner St, Llanbeblig, married to Margaret 7 children the first born 1883. William is now a Gardener. Cannot give any DoD for William Roberts but again i think it might be 12 march 1923 age 71 of Bettws Garnon, Llanbeblig.
Rai Keynshamlighthorse

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