ROBERTS, Richard Henry

Richard was born in the Warialda district where his birth was registered in 1896.  His parents Henry and Mary moved to Inverell where Richard went to school.  He served a 4 year apprenticeship with Coachbuilder Mr. McBean in Inverell and became a Coach Painter. During this time he was also a keen Rugby Union player.

Richard enlisted at Inverell in 1915. He was one of thirty two Inverell men given a public farewell at Inverell Town Hall on 21 August 1915. After joining the 3rd Battalion, 14th Reinforcement, he sailed from Australia on the ship RMS Osterley in January 1916.  His Battalion spent several weeks in Egypt before going to France in April.

The following year Richard was Killed in Action on 15 April and has no known grave.  His name is inscribed on the Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, France. His few personal effects, including a mouth organ, were returned to his parents. Richard’s Mother was granted a pension of fourteen shillings per fortnight from July 1917.

At Inverell, Richard’s name is inscribed on the Cenotaph and Honor Roll.  He was one of 215 men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade in 1919.