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War Memorial
Australia

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.

Warracknabeal Herald (Vic.: 1914 - 1918) Tue 20 Jun 1916 Page 5 OUR FALLEN HEROES.

OUR FALLEN HEROES.

PRIVATE SIDNEY ROBERTS.

It was reported in a recent Issue that Private Sidney Roberts, son of Mrs. W. McJannet, of Warracknabeal, was dangerously ill with small-pox in Egypt, and on Saturday the painful notification was received that the young soldier had succumbed. As a tribute of respect to the fallen hero, the flags in the town were at half mast, and the deepest regret was felt that another young life had been sacrificed as the result of this fearful war. The soldier who goes forth to fight in defence of his country faces many risks, apart from those of the battlefield, and one of the greatest is the danger of contracting deadly diseases. A good many while undergoing the preparatory work for service abroad have been struck down with meningitis at the various training camps. Others have crossed the sea, and after participating in the campaign, have succumbed to illness in a foreign land. Among Warracknabeal lads at the front two have been victims to small-pox, and within a comparatively short time. The toll of the war, of course, spreads itself over every part of the Empire, and we are passing through the sad experience of thousands of others. To the bereaved ones the sacrifices are indeed cruel and almost overwhelming, but there is the consoling thought that these valiant young sons of Australia have given up their lives for a great and noble cause. When the message was received that Private Roberts was dangerously ill his mother and relatives were naturally deeply concerned, but this did not relieve the shock and heart-rending sorrow which the news of his death occasioned. Deceased, who was 28 years of age, a fine sturdy young man, and was greatly respected by all who knew him. He was Mrs. McJannet's eldest son, and was educated at the local State school, spending his boyhood days in Warracknabeal. He grew up to be a splendid specimen of manhood, big framed, with open countenance and of kindly disposition. He enlisted in South Australia, where he had been employed for some time in connection with the railways. Private Roberts was unmarried, and he responded willingly to serve his country in the hour of need. He has paid the price that has been paid by others from this district who have fallen in the fight, the highest price demanded of a man by his country. There is inexpressible glory associated with the self-sacrifice of those who gave up all the pleasures of life in obedience to the call of duty, and were prepared to face the hardships and vicissitudes of warfare, even unto death, for the cause of liberty, and the suppression of national wrongs. Private Roberts played his part nobly and well. He is among the fallen heroes, whose memory will be revered for generations to come, when civilisation is reaping the fruits which will result from the struggle which is demanding so much from the Allied nations at this period in the world's history. The losses in this war are on such a gigantic scale that the imagination is mercifully benumbed in estimating the weight of human sorrow and suffering entailed.

At the same time the thousands who are passing over the Great Divide are individual sons, husbands, fathers, brothers, and lovers. The shock of bereavement is widespread, and the homes of mourning are constantly being added to in all lands whose people have been drawn into the crimson whirlpool. - There need be no concern regarding the fate of those who have died gloriously for their country, waging a righteous war. These brave lives depart, leaving to those who remain behind a legacy of their heroism; an obligation for all to show themselves worthy of the sacrifice of gallant hearts; a sacred duty to see that their lives shall not have been given in vain. To Mrs. McJannet and relatives the deepest sympathy will be extended in their grief. Two of deceased's sisters are Mrs. F. Lewis and Mrs. V. Miles, of Warracknabeal. Two brothers, Private Percy Roberts and Private Willie Roberts, are at present in camp. The first-named took part in the fighting at Gallipoli, and expects to return to the front.

Private Roberts was a member of the 10th Battalion. He was born on November 25th, 1888, at Warrow Station, Pt. Lincoln, South Australia. His father, the late Mr. Chas. Roberts, was station manager. Private Roberts died on 12th June, 1916, at Abassia, Egypt. He enlisted about the middle of June, 1915, at Adelaide, and left In August by R.M.S. Morea. He arrived in Egypt in September, was at Lemnos Island In October, and in the trenches in the first week in November. He was admitted to the third auxiliary hospital, Cairo, on February 14th, 1916, suffering from bronchitis. He hoped to be out in time to join his battalion, who expected to go to France. Recent letters suggest that he was in the trenches at the canal after being discharged from hospital. Deceased was for some years employed by Mr. Chivell, of Wilkur, who always spoke well of him. Private Roberts left Victoria seven years ago to work for the South Australian Railways, and was employed as packer until the time he enlisted. He was at first on the Oodnadatta line, and then the new line from Port Lincoln to the north of South Australia. He came to Warracknabeal in June last to say goodbye to his people prior to enlisting.

Had he not passed he was to have been married this month, and intended to settle in his birthplace, Port Lincoln. His affection for his mother is shown in the following lines ln a letter received from him while in Egypt:—

Parting is hard! We must admit

The wrench requires some nerve,

But you and I are both agreed,

The right thing is — to serve.

Don't fear for me, remember this,

If over you feel blue,

No shot can strike me in the heart,

For that I've left with you—

My mother.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132779539