Charles Fyshe Roberts

Charles Fyshe Roberts C.M.G., (20 August 1837 – 9 September 1914), was Under-Secretary of Defence in colonial New South Wales.

Early life
Roberts was the son of Captain Charles Roberts, of the 59th Regiment, was born in Ickwell, Bedfordshire, England, and educated at Carshalton Military School and the Royal Academy, Woolwich. He entered the Royal Artillery in 1855, became captain in 1862 and major in 1863. He served in the Crimean campaign in 1855-6, during which he was twice wounded, and received a medal with clasp, the Turkish medal, and the Sardinian order of Military Valour, and was personally commended for his conduct on June 18, 1855, by Lord Raglan. He was in command of the artillery with the field force in Sikkim, in 1861, for which he was thanked in general orders, and by the Governor-General of India in Council, and was made captain and subsequently brevet-major.

Career in Australia
Roberts was aide-de-camp to Sir John Young when Governor of New South Wales from 1866 to 1867. Colonel Roberts retired from the Royal Artillery in 1871, and was secretary to the Agent-General for New South Wales from 1872 to 1874. He was appointed Colonel in command of the New South Wales artillery in 1876, and second in command of the forces, being created C.M.G. in June 1885.

When Colonel John Soame Richardson led the Sudan Contingent in March 1885, Roberts assumed command of all New South Wales military forces. From 1887 to 1888 Roberts argued with Richardson over his treatment when the artillery was moved under the general staff.

Colonel Roberts married in 1866 Alice, daughter of the late William Bradley, of Goulburn, New South Wales. In 1890 he visited England, and was commissioned by the New South Wales Government to inquire into all military matters likely to be suggestive of improvements in the colonial forces. In 1892, when it was decided to establish a separate department of defence under the Colonial Secretary, Colonel Roberts was appointed the first Under-Secretary.

Death
Roberts died in Double Bay, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on 9 September 1914. Roberts was an honorary aide-de-camp to the King, his military funeral was held on 11 September 1914 and he was buried in South Head Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, a son and four daughters.