'Messines Offensive: 7th to 9th June 1917. For gallant conduct during the attack on Messines. He did exceptionally good work against a strong enemy party who had organised the cellar of the Institute Royale for defence. Rifleman Roberts was one of a party of five who attacked the enemy in this position and finally forced them to withdraw leaving about 20 dead. Rifleman Roberts was wounded early in the fight but continued to use his rifle effectively until the enemy abandoned their position.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 16 August 1917

Regimental number	21097
Occupation	Plumber
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs M Roberts, Edward Street, Thames
Rank on embarkation	Lance Corporal
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 1915, 10th Reinforcements to 1st Battalion, E Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board Aparima on 19 August 1916
Medals	Military Medal 'Messines Offensive: 7th to 9th June 1917. For gallant conduct during the attack on Messines. He did exceptionally good work against a strong enemy party who had organised the cellar of the Institute Royale for defence. Rifleman Roberts was one of a party of five who attacked the enemy in this position and finally forced them to withdraw leaving about 20 dead. Rifleman Roberts was wounded early in the fight but continued to use his rifle effectively until the enemy abandoned their position.' Source: London Gazette Date: 16 August 1917
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 38, p. 27