He was brought up in a well-to-do Auckland home by his Presbyterian father and Baptist mother.
When his parents lived in Sydney, Australia, he briefly attended Newington College during 1931.
On his parents return to New Zealand he attended Auckland Grammar School.
Members of the Common Room at Newington became suspicious when he attempted to air his scientific knowledge.
[6] Roberts' roles included Assistant medical director of the New Zealand Division (Army), a naval surgeon commander, governor general designate, professor of neuropsychiatry, manager of Barclays bank, a major-general, atomic scientist, High Court judge, famous German industrialist, a well-known author, professor of classics.