On return from an operation over the North Sea, Roberts was coming in to land at RAF Foulsham when enemy fighters appeared overhead. He aborted the landing and circled round, his Halifax getting attacked from beneath, which took out both inner engines. One crew member managed to successfully parachute out before the plane was too low. Roberts struggled to retain stability, as the instrument panel was destroyed in a second attack, and made a belly-landing in a large field. The plane burst into flames and was almost completely destroyed, with two survivors who were dragged to safety by locals.
Roberts suffered a fractured spine and burns, and didn't regain consciousness for two weeks. He was treated at RAF Ely before transferring to QVH, and was discharged from the RAF in 1947.

MRU - Military Rehabilitation Unit