Llewellyn Isaac Hilton Roberts, born on 1st March 1888, was admitted to King Edward’s School in September 1900. He lived with his mother, Margaret, and his father, Lionel, a surgeon, at ‘Park House’, Washwood Heath Road, Saltley.
Llewellyn was in the Modern School, which offered a curriculum that emphasised scientific rather than classical subjects. His class placing was below average when studying combined sciences, but it improved significantly when he converted to studying chemistry as a single science in his final year. He does not feature in the School Chronicles, which suggests he was not significantly involved in School sports teams or societies.
Records of Llewellyn’s activities after leaving KES are scarce, but they confirm that he married and emigrated to Canada, living at 324, 22nd Avenue, West Calgary, Alberta. His occupation is different on every document, ranging from farmer to lawyer to estate broker; whether they are all connected is unclear!
In 1914, Llewellyn enlisted as a Lieutenant in the Canadian Infantry, transferring at some point to the 11th Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment as Second Lieutenant. He died during the Somme Offensive on or around 13th August 1916, aged twenty-eight. His body was never recovered, but he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. He left his estate of £520 to his widow, Mabel.