Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

LMS railwayman (goods guard)

Awarded on:

November 11th, 1941

A munitions train had received a direct hit, causing wagons to be set on fire. Roberts led the move to uncouple the wagons to prevent the spread of fire as 10 men risked their lives to minimise the damage.

‘During an enemy air raid a bomb fell on a train of munitions stabled in an old siding. Roberts, accompanied by Kilshaw and Rowland, volunteered to go to the scene and, at considerable risk to themselves, the men made an inspection of the sidings and uncoupled wagons which were in danger of burning. During the whole of the time the men were engaged upon this work, explosions were occurring in the munitions train and there was added danger from high explosive bombs which continued to fall nearby. Roberts, as the leader of the party, set a high example and showed considerable initiative and courage."