Henry Emrys Roberts – Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Aircraftman 2nd Class Henry Emrys Roberts – Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Henry Emrys Roberts was born in 1907 in Swansea, though the identities of his parents remain unknown. His early life is glimpsed only through scattered records, each offering a partial view of a young man shaped by loss and education.

Early Life

1921 Census

The 1921 Census records Henry, aged 14, as a pupil at Clarence School, Clarence Road South, Weston‑super‑Mare. The census notes that his mother had died, suggesting that Henry may have been placed at the school as a boarder or under guardianship. No father is listed, and the absence of family details reflects the limited documentation surrounding his childhood.

1939 Register 

Adulthood and 1939 Register

By the time of the 1939 Register, Henry had established himself professionally as a Certificated School Teacher. He was living at 8 Cambrian Avenue, Llantrisant and Llantwit Fardre, with his wife Mary J. Roberts, who undertook household duties. The register presents a picture of a settled domestic life, with Henry working in a respected profession and contributing to the educational life of his community.

Military Service

During the Second World War, Henry enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, serving as an Aircraftman 2nd Class. He was based at RAF Skegness, Lincolnshire — a major training centre where thousands of recruits passed through during the early years of the war. The station was known for its rapid conversion of seaside facilities into military training grounds, and many Volunteer Reserve airmen began their service there.

Henry Emrys Roberts
Coedffranc Cemetery credit - findagrave

Death and Burial

Henry Emrys Roberts died on 2 November 1941. His body was brought home to Swansea and laid to rest at Coedffranc Cemetery, returning him to the region of his birth despite the fragmentary nature of his recorded family ties.