A Great War 1918 ‘Mediterranean theatre’ D.S.O. group of six awarded to Captain C. A. G. Roberts, Royal Naval Reserve

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top ribbon bar; Transport 1899-1902, 1 clasp, S. Africa 1899-1902 (C. A. G. Roberts.); 1914-15 Star (Lt. Commr. C. A. G. Roberts, R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (Commr. C. A. G. Roberts. R.N.R.); Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, G.V.R., silver and silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1911, good very fine (6) £1,400-£1,800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Paul Bentley Collection.

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D.S.O. London Gazette 17 May 1918:
‘For Service on the Mediterranean Station.’

The original Recommendation states: ‘Mediterranean during period ending 31st December 1917 ... Ship Isonzo ... For initiative and resource displayed in the important duties which his ship has been employed’

Cyril Arthur Graeme Roberts was born in Belvedere, Kent on 6 February 1879. His papers show service in the Merchant Navy from 23 April 1895, aboard Zealandia though he may well have joined earlier as he had already joined the Royal Naval Reserve as a Midshipman on 5 April of that year. He joined the White Star Line’s Teutonic on 27 July 1896, being promoted Second Mate on 21 September 1897. On 1 October 1897 he was Fourth Officer aboard Mawana, serving aboard Umata from 4 December 1899, and Sirdhana from 31 May 1900, both of which were employed as transport vessels during the Boar War (Transport Medal).

Roberts was promoted 1st Mate on 17 May 1900, and was promoted Acting Sub Lieutenant, Royal Naval Reserve, on 6 May 1901. He continued in service with the Merchant Navy for the next 14 years, being promoted Officer Commanding on 3 October 1902. During this time, he continued his service with the Royal Naval Reserve, being promoted Lieutenant on 15 January 1904 and Lieutenant-Commander on 23 January 1912.

On the outbreak of the Great War, Roberts was called up for Active Service and appointed to H.M.S. Prince George on 9 August 1914. He served aboard this battleship until 3 April 1916, thereby seeing service during the Dardanelles campaign of 1915, where H.M.S. Prince George provided support for the Gallipoli landings in April 1915. However on 5 May 1915, she was damaged by a shell and had to return to Malta for repairs, though returned in time to provide support during the evacuation of the Peninsula. On 4 April 1916, Roberts was appointed to the Fleet Auxiliary ship H.M.S. Isonzo, a requisitioned Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. passenger and mail ship, originally named Isis. Roberts would see out the rest of the War in Command of H.M.S. Isonzo which served as a despatch ship and fleet messenger, having been promoted Commander on 30 June 1917, and was awarded the D.S.O for his services aboard it.

Following the cessation of hostilities Roberts went back to the Merchant Navy, serving on numerous ships, including the Cutty Sark. He was retired from the Royal Naval Reserve on 6 February 1929, with the rank of Captain, but seems to have continued service at sea, even seeking employment at a lower rank during the Second World War.