"The RSA would like permission to place a memorial plaque on the grave," he said.
The known facts:
- Alexander Roberts was born in Lyttleton on January 30, 1873. His father, John Roberts was Welsh, his mother Ruth Louisa was English and he had a sister, Nelly Cardine Chapman.
- Roberts was a seaman and worked for W Cook's British Empire Trading Company in Lyttleton. In 1900, aged 27, he enlisted for service in the Boer War.
- He served as a cavalryman in the 4th and 8th Contingents where he became a Sergeant Major.
- He was discharged in 1902 and returned to the sea.
- His parents owned the Railway Hotel at Kaikoura North and between 1902 and 1914 they moved to Palmerston North to the Family Hotel at 63 Fitzherbert St.
- John Roberts died on March 3, 1902 and was buried at Terrace End.
- In September 1914, Alexander Roberts signed on for service in World War 1.
- Roberts, now 41, was a corporal and was sent to Gallipoli, where he contracted dysentery and became unfit for service when he was shot in the right hand.
- He was discharged from the army in 1916 and was seconded to the Military Police in Whanganui where he served as a jail warden, despite having three fingers of his right hand with a progressive disability.
- According to a coronal report on August 26 1917, Alexander died in Whanganui Hospital from injuries he received when he was run over by a train at Marton Railway station.
If you are a relative or know the Roberts or Nelly Chapman families, please email: pnorthbailey@gmail.com
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