Frank Crowther Roberts

Major-General Frank Crowther Roberts (2 June 1891 – 12 January 1982) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Roberts was educated at St. Lawrence College, Ramsgate and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, then commissioned into The Worcestershire Regiment in 1911. He was 26 years old, and an acting lieutenant-colonel in the 1st Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment, British Army, during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

During the period 22 March/2 April 1918 west of Somme and at Pargny, France, Lieutenant Colonel Roberts showed exceptional military skill in dealing with the many very difficult situations of the retirement and amazing endurance and energy in inspiring all ranks under his command. On one occasion the enemy attacked a village and had practically cleared it of our troops when Colonel Roberts got together an improvised party and led a counter-attack which temporarily drove the enemy out of the village, thus covering the retirement of troops on their flanks. The success of this action was entirely due to his personal valour and skill.

He became commander of the Poona Brigade of the British Indian Army in 1938 and briefly commanded the 48th (South Midland) Division in 1939, retiring with the rank of major-general in December that year in the early months of the Second World War.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Worcestershire Regimental Collecion in the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Worcester, Worcestershire, England.