Frederick Roberts VC: The Gallantry of a Young British Officer
The history of the British Army is marked by stories of extraordinary courage, but few are as poignant as that of Lieutenant The Honourable Frederick Hugh Sherston Roberts. A recipient of the Victoria Cross—the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy—Roberts exemplified bravery and leadership during the late 19th century. His life, though short, was defined by a commitment to duty and a legacy shared with his father, one of the most renowned commanders of the Victorian era.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Frederick Hugh Sherston Roberts
- Rank: Lieutenant, King's Royal Rifle Corps
- Highest Honor: Victoria Cross (VC)
- Key Conflict: Second Boer War (Battle of Colenso)
- Family Legacy: One of only three father-son pairs to both earn the Victoria Cross
- Date of Death: 17 December 1899 (aged 27)
Early Life and Military Education
Born in Umballa, Punjab, British India (modern-day Ambala, Haryana), Frederick Roberts was destined for a military career. He was the son of Field Marshal Frederick Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts, a legendary figure in Victorian military history. Frederick attended Sandroyd School and Eton College before pursuing professional military training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
On 10 June 1891, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the King's Royal Rifle Corps. He quickly proved his capabilities in the field, participating in the Waziristan Expedition in 1894 and 1895. His effective leadership during these campaigns earned him a mention in despatches, a formal report praising a soldier's gallant or meritorious action.
By 1898, Roberts took part in the Nile Expedition. Following this service, he was promoted to lieutenant and received the Order of the Medjidie, 4th class, an honor bestowed by the Ottoman Empire.
Heroism at the Battle of Colenso
At the age of 27, Lieutenant Roberts deployed to South Africa for the Second Boer War. It was here, during the Battle of Colenso on 15 December 1899, that he performed the act of bravery that would earn him the Victoria Cross.
During the engagement, the detachments serving the guns of the 14th and 66th Batteries of the Royal Field Artillery had been driven from their positions or became casualties, leaving the guns deserted. A donga—a dried watercourse—located about 500 yards behind the guns provided shelter for a few remaining horses and drivers, but the open ground between the shelter and the artillery was swept by intense shell and rifle fire.
Ignoring the danger, Roberts joined Captain Walter Congreve, Harry Norton Schofield, and Corporal George Nurse in an attempt to save the artillery. They worked under heavy fire to hook a team into a limber (a two-wheeled cart used to tow a gun) and prepare the gun for removal. During this perilous operation, Roberts was badly wounded in three places.
The bravery of the group was witnessed by the Commander-in-Chief, Redvers Buller, who recommended Roberts for the Victoria Cross in a despatch written on 16 December. Tragically, Lieutenant Roberts succumbed to his wounds two days later on 17 December 1899, at Chieveley, Natal.
A Rare Family Legacy
The award of the Victoria Cross to Frederick Roberts created a rare historical milestone. He and his father, the 1st Earl Roberts—who won the VC in 1858 during the Indian rebellion at Khudaganj—became one of only three father-son pairs in history to receive the honor.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Years | 1891–1899 |
| Unit | King's Royal Rifle Corps |
| Major Conflicts | Chitral Expedition, Second Boer War |
| Key Awards | Victoria Cross, Order of the Medjidie (4th class) |
| Final Resting Place | Chieveley Military Cemetery, Frere |
Today, Frederick Roberts' Victoria Cross is preserved and displayed at the National Army Museum in Chelsea, London, serving as a lasting testament to his courage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Victoria Cross action that Frederick Roberts performed?
During the Battle of Colenso, Roberts risked his life under heavy fire to help save the guns of the 14th and 66th Batteries of the Royal Field Artillery after their crews had been killed or driven away.
Who was Frederick Roberts' father?
His father was Field Marshal Frederick Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts, a prominent Victorian commander who also won the Victoria Cross in 1858.
Where is Frederick Roberts buried?
He is buried at the Chieveley Military Cemetery in Frere, South Africa.
What is a "donga" in the context of the Battle of Colenso?
A donga is a dried watercourse or gully, which provided temporary shelter for horses and drivers during the battle.
Where can the public see Frederick Roberts' Victoria Cross?
The medal is currently on display at the National Army Museum in Chelsea, London.