World War II Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He served as a Lieutenant in the British Royal Navy. In actions north of Crete, Mediterranean Sea, February 16, 1942, the HM Submarine Thrasher after sinking a supply ship, was itself attacked with aerial bombing. Later, after surfacing, two unexploded bombs were discovered in the deck gun-casing. Lieutenant Roberts and a petty officer removed the first one without too much difficulty, but the second bomb had penetrated the side plating of the gun emplacement. Lieutenant Roberts entered the confined space lying flat and wormed past deck supports to the bomb. The petty officer then lay on his back with the 100lb bomb in his arms while Lieutenant Roberts dragged him along by the shoulders. The submarine was surfaced stationary, close inshore to enemy waters and if forced to crash dive, both men would drown. It was 40 minutes before they got the bomb clear, wrapped it in sacking and dropped it over the side saving the ship from danger. For extreme courage, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal.
World War II Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He served as a Lieutenant in the British Royal Navy. In actions north of Crete, Mediterranean Sea, February 16, 1942, the HM Submarine Thrasher after sinking a supply ship, was itself attacked with aerial bombing. Later, after surfacing, two unexploded bombs were discovered in the deck gun-casing. Lieutenant Roberts and a petty officer removed the first one without too much difficulty, but the second bomb had penetrated the side plating of the gun emplacement. Lieutenant Roberts entered the confined space lying flat and wormed past deck supports to the bomb. The petty officer then lay on his back with the 100lb bomb in his arms while Lieutenant Roberts dragged him along by the shoulders. The submarine was surfaced stationary, close inshore to enemy waters and if forced to crash dive, both men would drown. It was 40 minutes before they got the bomb clear, wrapped it in sacking and dropped it over the side saving the ship from danger. For extreme courage, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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