United Kingdom: 'He did his duty. Will YOU do YOURS?' Poster of Field Marshal Frederick Roberts (30 September 1832 - 14 November 1914), 1st Earl Roberts, British general, 1916. Frederick Sleigh Roberts was a Victorian era general of Anglo-Irish heritage who would go on to become one of the most successful British commanders of his time. Born in India, he joined the East India Company Army and served with distinction during the Indian Rebellion, after which he was transferred to the British Army and served in the Expedition to Abyssinia and the Second Anglo-Afghan War.