George Roberts - Activist
George Roberts was born in Trinidad on the 1st of August 1891. During the First World War he fought with the British West Indies Regiment.
In 1919 Roberts became an active member of The National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers. The organisation campaigned for better healthcare and pensions for veterans. Roberts went on to start the Camberwell branch of the British Legion, he became the branch’s President and remained an active member of the British Legion throughout his lifetime.
As well as advocating on behalf of war veterans with the Legion, Roberts was also a community
activist. In 1931 he became a founding member of The League of Coloured Peoples, the civil rights organisation founded by Dr Harold Moody. The organisation was formed to improve relations between the races and advocate on behalf of Black and Brown people. Roberts sat on the Leagues Executive Committee.
When the Second World War broke out in 1939, Roberts was unable to enlist as a soldier so he chose to train as a fireman to support the war effort. He became one of the first Black firefighters in the UK with the London Fire Brigade and was stationed at New Cross Fire Station in south London.
In 1944 Roberts was awarded the British Empire Medal for his duties.
George Roberts died on the 8th January 1970.