(23rd March 1918)
1st battalion Worcestershire Regiment.
(in the counter-attack at Pargny, Somme)
On the 23rd. March 1918, the 1st Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel (Captain/temp. Major) Roberts, was spread out along the River Somme in a series of posts; all four Companies were in the line, with practically no reserve. That night, while inspecting his posts, Colonel Roberts found that the Germans had crossed the river and captured the village of Pargny. The Battalion on the right had withdrawn, and there was a possibility that the whole Brigade might be surrounded and destroyed. He decided on instant counter attack, and collected every man of Battalion Head-quarters, forty-five in all. Luckily, there were no enemy outposts, and Colonel Roberts was able to lead his little force right up to the village. Two flanking parties of ten men each worked along the outskirts of the village, and he led the rest up the main street with bayonets fixed. They were soon observed, and they charged at full tilt up the street, firing, stabbing and cheering as the enemy poured out of the houses.
Colonel Roberts was born at Highbury, Middlesex, 2nd June 1891. He won his VC at the age of 26. He later achieved the rank of Major-General. He died at Stanhope Bretby, Derbyshire on the 12th January 1982. His VC is on display at the Worcestershire Regiment Museum, Worcester.
The above painting by Gilbert Holiday shows Major Roberts in the churchyard where the hardest fighting took place. This painting is in the possession of the Regiment.
Frank Crowther Roberts V.C. medal group
CLICK MEDAL
IMAGE FOR LARGER PHOTO