George Roberts - Soldier
George Roberts was born in Trinidad, in the West Indies, on the 1st of August 1891. During the First World War Roberts joined the British West Indies Regiment.
The British West Indies Regiment was formed in 1915. Over 15,000 men from across the Caribbean including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and other British colonies volunteered to fight for King and Country. The British West Indies Regiment soldiers were mostly assigned labourer tasks, such as digging trenches, and moving supplies. However, some of the soldiers engaged in combat - Roberts fought in battles at Loos, and the Sommes in France.
During battles Roberts would pick up live grenades and throw them back over enemy trenches.
After sustaining an injury on the battle field he was allowed to return to Trinidad to recuperate - and recruit. Whilst in Trinidad Roberts helped recruit over two hundred soldiers. After the war he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
George Roberts died on the 8th January 1970.