Spelter bust of Lord F S Roberts

Spelter (zinc) bust of Lord Frederick Sleigh Roberts, treated to look like bronze. On the base of the bust is cast 'LORD ROBERTS' in relief.

Frederick Sleigh Roberts, was born in India on 30 September 1832. Educated at Eton, Sandhurst and Addiscombe, he obtained a commission in the Bengal Artillery on 12 December 1851. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at Khudaganj, India in January 1858. Roberts commanded the British forces in Afghanistan in 1881and 1882. He later became the Commander-in-Chief in India from 1885 to 1893, and was subsequently promoted to Field Marshal. He was also Commander in Chief during the South African War (1899-1902) and, finally Commander-in-Chief of the British Army from 1901 to 1904. Roberts was created a baron in 1892 and an earl in 1901. He died at the beginning of the First World War, on 14 November 1914, at St Omer, while in France to see the Indian troops fighting at the front. Affectionately nicknamed 'Bobs' , Roberts was immensely popular with the British public and the subject of many patriotic souvenirs sold during the Boer War.