Field Marshal Frederick Sleigh Roberts VC
■ The 1st Earl Roberts, Lord Roberts VC, KG, KP, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, VD, PC, FRSGS, was a British general and one of the most successful military commanders of Victorian times. Born in India in 1832, Roberts joined the East India Company Army, serving in the Indian Rebellion where he was awarded the Victoria Cross . He then transferred to the British Army and fought in the expedition to Abyssinia and Second Anglo-Afghan War where his exploits earned him widespread fame. Roberts went on to serve as Commander-inChief, India, before leading British Forces during the Second Boer War. He was the last Commander-in-Chief of the Forces before the post was abolished in 1904.
Field Marshal Roberts was an influential proponent of stronger defence in response to an increasing threat from Germany in the lead up to the First World War but died of pneumonia in France on 14 November 1914 while visiting Indian troops. After lying in state in Westminster Hall (one of only two people who were not members of the Royal Family to do so during the 20th century, the other being Sir Winston Churchill), he was given a state funeral on 18 November and buried in St. Paul’s Cathedral. His Victoria Cross citation reads: ‘Lieutenant Roberts’ gallantry has on every occasion been most marked. On following the retreating enemy on 2 January 1858, at Khodagunge, he saw in the distance two Sepoys going away with a standard. Lieutenant Roberts put spurs to his horse and overtook them just as they were about to enter a village. They immediately turned round, and presented their muskets at him, and one of the men pulled the trigger, but fortunately the caps snapped, and the standard-bearer was cut down by this gallant young officer, and the standard taken possession of by him. He also, on the same day, cut down another Sepoy who was standing at bay, with musket and bayonet, keeping off a Sowar. Lieutenant Roberts rode to the assistance of the horseman, and, rushing at the Sepoy, with one blow of his sword cut him across the face, killing him on the spot.’
Field Marshal Roberts was revered as one of Britain’s leading military figures, known affectionately as ‘Bobs’.