1

William Edmund Roberts was the son of Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts, of Nesscliffe Hill, Baschurch, Salop, England. He resided in South Transcona prior to his enlistment in the armed service and was Principle of South Transcona school. He was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church. Pte. William Edmund Roberts volunteered to bear the King's uniform in battle. Together with his friend, William Heron (also of Transcona, Manitoba), he enlisted with the 79th Cameron Highlanders in July 1915. He served with the 43rd Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment).

2

Southside School where William Roberts was principal
1930
South Transcona, Transcona, Manitoba, Canada

3

Pte. Roberts, principal of South Transcona School, is reported killed
1916
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada


Credits:
Transcona Times

4

William Edmund Roberts was a popular teacher and Principal of South Transcona school. He was killed in action on 6 June 1916 at 25 years of age. Pte. William Edmund Roberts and William Heron enlisted together in July 1915. They served with the 79th Cameron Highlanders. In June 1916, the Cameron Highlanders suffered heavy losses in the fighting in the Ypres Salient. In a letter home, Pte. William Heron provided an account of Pte.W. E. Roberts' last moments:

"The sights were something terrible, and all who managed to come through it will never forget the experience. Pte. W. E. Roberts, who enlisted along with me, was among the dead. It was while holding back the Germans, after they made a short advance, that he was killed with a shell. Such are the calamities of war, and the only consolation we have is that he died at his post."

5

A poem in memory of William Roberts
June 1916
South Transcona, Transcona, Manitoba, Canada

6

In recognition of his supreme sacrifice and service to King and Country, William Robert's name was memorialized on the Cenotaph now located in Memorial Park Circle. It also appears on an Honour Roll hanging in Transcona Memorial United Church and the Knox Presbyterian Honour Roll. He is commemorated at the Merin Gate (Ypres) Memorial in Belgium.