Historical information

James Roberts was born at Rushworth, Victoria, in 1872. He matriculated and graduated from Melbourne University in Civil Engineering. He had recently re-entered university to study medicine. While in university he was a lieutenant of the University Corps of Officer and then obtained a commission in the Victorian Mounted Rifles.
At the outbreak of war, Roberts immediately volunteered for service in South Africa. He was in the first contingent - mounted infantry unit. He was mentioned in dispatches.
Lieutenant Roberts was killed at Rensburg on 12 February 1900.

Physical description

Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".