The Papers of Brigadier Michael Rookherst Roberts

Fonds

Reference Code: GBR/0014/MRBS

Scope and Contents

Diaries and papers relating to the Burma [later Myanmar] Campaign, 1942-5, and papers relating to the 4th Battalion 10th Gurkha Rifles, 1942-7

Dates

Creation: 1942-08 - 1978-08

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for consultation by researchers using Churchill Archives Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers wishing to publish excerpts from the papers must obtain prior permission from the copyright holders and should seek advice from Archives Centre staff.

Biographical / Historical

Roberts was born in October 1894. He was educated at West Buckland and at Sandhurst.

He served in World War One with the Lancashire Fusiliers and 113th Infantry, IA (France and S. Persia (now Iran)); Waziristan, 1920; 2nd Lt 1914; Bt Major, 1931; Assistant Military Secretary, 1931; Comdt 2/10th Gurkha Rifles, 1937; GSO1, Nepalese Contingent, 1940; Brig. 1940; Comd bde of 7th Indian Div., Arakan, 1943-4; and Colonel, 10th Princess Mary’s Own Gurkha Rifles, 1957-9.

He served as Chairman Gurkha Brigade Association, 1955-67, and as Historian, Cabinet Office, 1956-68.

He published "Golden Arrow" (history of 7th Indian Division), 1952; joint author, "Official History, War Against Japan", Vol. II, 1958, Vol. III, 1962, Vol. IV, 1965, Vol. V, 1969; and completed Brian Connell’s "Wavell: Supreme Commander", 1969.

He died in August 1977.

Extent

1 collection

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Other Finding Aids

A copy of this finding aid is available for consultation at Churchill Archives Centre, Cambridge and the National Register of Archives, London.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The papers were presented to Churchill Archives Centre by Major CMA Roberts (son) in September 1978.

General

This collection (fonds) level description and catalogue was prepared by Andrew Riley of Churchill Archives Centre in November 2003 using information from the papers themselves and from Roberts' entry in "Who Was Who 1897-1996" (A&C Black).