On Thursday, 31st August at 2pm Byfleet Heritage Society in association with Brooklands Museum will be holding a short commemoration in St Mary’s Churchyard, Byfleet, for Lt. Arthur Doricourt Roberts MC.
Lt. Roberts, of the Royal Flying Corps, was accidentally killed when flying a Martynside G100 Elephant aeroplane at Hounslow on August 31st 1917, aged 22, having gained his wings a few days previously.
Originally serving in the Army, he had been awarded the Military Cross in 1916 for ‘conspicuous gallantry in action’ while serving on the Western Front. Born in December 1894, he was the youngest son of the late David Thomas Roberts, CSI, of HM Indian Civil Service, and of Mrs Roberts, Granville Cottage, Byfleet.
Immediately after this ceremony, a wreath will be laid on behalf of Brooklands Museum at the nearby grave of Richard Harold Barnwell, a notable Scottish aviation pioneer, Vickers flying instructor and test pilot, who worked at Brooklands Aerodrome from 1911. He died on 25th August, 1917, aged 38, whilst testing a new machine at Joyce Green aerodrome in Kent.
These acts of remembrance will be attended by Rev Dr John McCabe, Rector of St Mary’s, and representatives of Byfleet Heritage Society and Brooklands Museum. Members of the public, and any family members, are welcome to attend.
Full biographies of both men will be available on the day. For further information, please contact Jim Allen, Chairman, Byfleet Heritage Society: jimboallen46@yahoo.co.uk
Leave a Reply