Eric G. Roberts
Left: Eric G. Roberts, RAF. Right: W. Norman G. Roberts, U.S. Army Air Forces.
First Lieutenant • U.S. Army Air Forces • Serial O-886059
Entered service from New Jersey • Died October 7, 1943
Awards: Purple Heart
Introduction
First Lieutenant Eric G. Roberts was born in Liverpool, England, and was brought to the United States in 1924. He and his brother, W. Norman G. Roberts, grew up at 216 Barlow Avenue in Delaware Township, NJ (now Cherry Hill). Both graduated from Merchantville High School and were working at RCA when they enlisted. Their father, Frederick W. Roberts, had come to this country in 1923.
After Pearl Harbor, both brothers applied for enlistment in the U.S. Army Air Forces. Norman was commissioned a second lieutenant. Eric, however, was “washed out” despite his instructor telling him he was doing all right. Offered other work as an armament officer, he instead requested his discharge. Determined to fly, he went to New York, applied to the Canadian Aviation Bureau, and underwent intensive training at Falcon Field, AZ, in 120-degree heat. He became Sergeant Pilot Eric G. Roberts of the Royal Canadian Air Force, earning his wings “with honors” as British Wing Commander J.F. McKenna noted: “You’re one of the finest we’ve ever turned out.”
After his training in Arizona, Roberts went to Canada and then to England. He transferred to the United States Army Air Force shortly after the Hanover raid. He was reported missing on October 7, 1943. His body was later recovered. His death was reported in the October 18, 1943, edition of the Camden Courier-Post.
Merchantville Youth to Fly for Britain / Flying Brothers
Camden Courier-Post
MERCHANTVILLE YOUTH TO FLY FOR BRITAIN
One of these new RAF fliers is Eric G. Roberts, of Merchantville, and the three of them probably are the last Americans who will be given wings by the British service. Enlistment of Americans in the RAF has been discouraged since Dec. 7. Roberts is on the right. The other fledglings, left to right, are James J. Keen, of Spartanburg, S.C., and Edward E. Gianchiho, of South Norwalk, Conn. They are getting their emblems from British Wing Commander J. F. McKenna, extreme left, at Falcon Field, Ariz.
FLYING BROTHERS
Delaware township’s flying Roberts brothers are in action under two different flags—one American, the other British.
W. Norman G. Roberts, 27, and his brother, Eric G., 22, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick W. Roberts, of 216 Barlow avenue, Delaware township, both applied for enlistment in the Army Air Forces right after Pearl Harbor.
Norman was commissioned a second lieutenant and now is stationed at Cross City, Fla.
But Eric, for some reason, was “washed out,” notwithstanding his instructor told him he was doing all right. He was offered other work as an armament office, but he asked for his discharge.
Determined to fly, he went to New York and applied to the Canadian Aviation Bureau. After intensive training in the 120 degree heat of Falcon Field, Ariz., he became Sgt. Pilot Eric G. Roberts of the RCAF. He leaves Monday for Canada, thence to England.
Both brothers were born in England, but are American citizens. Both graduated from Merchantville High school and both were working at RCA when they enlisted.
Photos
W. Norman G. Roberts, brother of Eric G. Roberts, U.S. Army Air Forces.