Private John Martin Roberts was born on 26 May 1888 in Sommerville, Dublin. He was one of nine children born to Thomas Roberts and his wife Amelia. Having worked as a groom, he joined The North Irish Horse in 1910. On 18 September 1912 he married Robina Crawford and their son John Hayes Roberts was born fourteen months later.

Pte Roberts, aged 30, arrived with The North Irish Horse on the Western Front on 17 August 1914, just days after Lt Rushton and like Lt Rushton took part in the Retreat from Mons and the Battle of the Aisne in 1914. In March 1918 The North Irish Horse was dismonted and became a Cyclist Battalion. Having survived almost the duration of the First World War, Pte Roberts was killed in an attack near the River Ancre on 21 August 1918. He was commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial. 

Two of Private Roberts’ brothers were also killed during the Great War. Gunner William Henry Roberts of 23rd Brigade Royal Field Artillery was killed on 27 July 1916 and is buried in Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension. Stoker 1st Class Albert Edward Roberts of the Royal Navy was killed onboard HMS Racoon when it sank off the Irish coast on 9 January 1918. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial. Another brother, Frederick Roberts, who served with the Royal Field Artillery, died as a result of his service after the war.

The location of Pte Roberts’s grave was discovered after researchers submitted evidence to CWGC suggesting his final resting places could be identified. After further investigation by CWGC, the National Army Museum and JCCC, the findings of the researchers was confirmed by JCCC.

Pte Roberts’ grave was rededicated in a service at CWGC Queens Cemetery, Bucquoy, France on 18 May 2022 with a newly inscribed headstone that will be cared for in perpetuity.