Roberts, Hugh Stanley

Lance Corporal Hugh Stanley Roberts

was born at Rigg, Ely, Co. Fermanagh on 18th September 1895 to Samuel Thomas Roberts and Margaret Jane Roberts nee Nixon. They were married on 20th August 1884 in Enniskillen.

In 1901 Hugh was living in house 1, Rigg, Ely, Co. Fermanagh with his parents and 2 sisters; Katie (14) and Lillie (13). Two servants were also in the house, Patrick Murphy and Mary Maguire.

In 1911 Hugh was living in house 7, Rigg, Ely, Co. Fermanagh with his parents, 2 sisters and a brother, Thomas N (18).

On 11th April 1913, Hugh joined Northern Bank at Head Office.   

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Fintona (1913 - Junior) and Head Office (1914). 

Northern Bank, Fintona (Photo courtesy of Allan McCullough Family)

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, Hugh signed the Ulster Covenant at Enniskillen. 

In September 1914, Hugh volunteered and enlisted into the 9th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers as a Private with Service Number 13613. This was to be for the ‘duration of war’. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 15th November 1915.

H S Roberts - Medal Index Card

Prior to being killed in action, aged 20, on 1st July 1916 he was promoted to Lance Corporal (Corporal 2nd). His name is recorded on a grave in the Rossorry Church of Ireland graveyard.

Hugh was awarded the 1915 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in the UK Commonwealth War Graves.

UK Commonwealth War Graves 1914-1920 - H S Roberts

The Register of Soldiers' Effects records that Hugh's father, Samuel T Roberts received £9 1s 3d on 17th January 1917 and that his mother received £8 0s 0d on 22nd October 1919 as a War gratuity.

Register of Soldiers' Effects - H S Roberts

A Pension Record Card was created in respect of Hugh's mother.

Pension Record Card -  H S Roberts