Albert Richard Roberts was born in Haddon, VIC, was single and was a Blacksmith living in Ballarat East, Victoria when he enlisted in the 8th Battalion, 16th Reinforcement on 7 July 1915 at the age of 23. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A23 Suffolk on 1 April 1916.

He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for æconspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When a position was to be captured by a flank attack, he went forward alone with a supply of bombs and made a daring frontal attack on the position, drawing the enemy's fire, and enabling the attack to close on the enemy from behind. His courage and resource assisted greatly in saving a difficult situation.'
Tree No. 1622