George Arthur Roberts
(1890-1970)

Died aged c. 80

George Arthur Roberts BEM MSM (1 August 1891 – 8 January 1970) was a Trinidadian soldier, firefighter, and community leader in Great Britain. He served in the First World War, where he became known as the "Coconut bomber" and went on to become a firefighter during the Blitz and rest of the Second World War. In 1944 he was awarded the British Empire Medal "for general duties at New Cross Fire Station" and for his part as a founder and pioneer of the discussion and education groups of the fire service. Plaques have been erected in his honour in London, at his home and his workplace. "extraordinary" ability to throw bombs back into enemy lines, as he did with coconuts as a child, and became known as the "Coconut Bomber". The magazine also reported that he was given special leave to return to Trinidad to recruit more volunteers and was able to sign up more than 250 men with his "vigorous speeches". Standing at 6’2", Roberts earned a reputation in the Great War for throwing bombs back over enemy lines. After the war Roberts settled in London, first living in Peckham and then Camberwell, where he and his family lived for almost 50 years.

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