These moving photographs show the tragic impact of the First World War on my grandmother’s family

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Published: Friday, 31 May 2024 at 07:59 AM

My great grandparents John and Jane Roberts. Their four sons Frank, Frederick, James and Harry all fought in the First World War.

Black and white photograph of a young man in military uniform

James Roberts was fatally wounded in September 1915 at Hooge, near Ypres. He is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Belgium.

Black and white photograph of two young men in Edwardian clothes

James Roberts is shown here with his brother Frank. Frank wrote to Jane upon James’ death, “Dear mother you have one thing to be proud of, he died a hero.”

Black and white photograph of three young men standing in a stable with horses

Frank Roberts (centre) served in the Machine Gun Corps, the 19th Royal Hussars and the Royal Tank Regiment. He fought in the war and then in India, where he caught malaria. Tragically he killed himself in 1925 while his mind was disturbed.

Black and white photograph of a young man in military uniform holding a baby in a white robe

Laura’s brother Frederick Roberts, shown here with his daughter Rosina, emigrated to British Columbia, Canada, in 1907.

Black and white photograph of a young man in First World War military uniform

Harry Roberts was in the Worcestershire Yeomanry, and won the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry.

Black and white photograph of a young woman holding a baby

My grandmother Laura, John and Jane’s daughter. She wrote “Just as a reminder old chap” on the back of this photograph as a message to her husband Joseph Price.

Black and white photograph of a woman and a man in First World War military uniform

Laura and Joseph. He died in 1923 during a stomach operation to address a wartime injury.

Black and white photograph of a young woman

Ethel Roberts, John and Jane’s other daughter, lost her sweetheart in the war. She never married, living with her sister Laura all her life after Laura’s husband Joseph died.