http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-victim/frederick-frank-roberts.html

• Name: Mr Frederick (Frank John?) Roberts
• Born in Birmingham West Midlands England
• Age: 36 years
• Marital Status: Married.
• Last Residence: at 7 Dawson's Cottage, Reading Road Farnborough Hampshire England - Map
• Occupation: Third Butcher
• Last Ship: Olympic
• Victualling crew
• First Embarked: Belfast on Monday 1st April 1912
• Died in the sinking.
• Body recovered by: Mackay-Bennett (No. 231)
• Buried: Fairview Lawn Cemetery Halifax Nova Scotia Canada on Wednesday 8th May 1912.

Mr Frank John Roberts, 36, was born in Birmingham in 1876 the son of Thomas (a wheelwright) and Elizabeth Roberts. He married Comfort Maskell (born 1879) on 22 November 1896 and they had two children, Flora Louisa (born 1897) and Doris (born 1909).

Around 1901 when Roberts was boarding a troopship for the South African war his wife took a friendship ring she was wearing and gave it to him to wear for good luck.

Frank Roberts initially signed on to the Titanic for the delivery trip from Belfast to Southampton. When he signed-on to the Titanic for the second time, on 6 April 1912, he gave his address as 7 Dawson's Cottages. Reading Road, (Farnborough, Hampshire). He had been transferred from the Olympic. As third butcher he received monthly wages of £4 10s.

Roberts died in the sinking. His body was recovered by the Mackay-Bennett (#231) and he was buried at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, Halifax, Nova Scotia on 8 May 1912.

• NO. 231. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 32. - HAIR, DARK; MOUSTACHE, FAIR.
• CLOTHING - Blue serge pants; green overcoat; flannel belt; drawers marked "F. Roberts."
• TATTOO - On right arm, Victoria Cross and red, white and blue ribbon; on left arm, dagger.
• EFFECTS - Ship's keys; belt.
• BUTCHER.
• NAME - F. ROBERTS.
• 7 Dawson Cottages, Reading Rd. Farnborough, Hants.

When Frank Roberts' effects were returned to his family the friendship ring was found among them. Comfort Roberts wore the ring until her death in 1972.

References and Sources

• Crew Particulars of Engagement
• White Star Line (1912.) Record of Bodies and Effects (Passengers and Crew S.S. "Titanic") Recovered by Cable Steamer "MacKay Bennett"
• British Census 1881
• Particulars of Engagement (Belfast), Ulster Folk and Transport Museum (TRANS 2A/45 381)
• Agreement and Account of Crew (PRO London, BT100/259)
• Marriages, births, deaths and injuries that have occurred on board during the voyage (PRO London, BT 100/259-260)

Credits

• Frank Caswell, Canada (Grandson of Frank John Roberts)