JAMES FORSTER 

C.W.G.C. remember a James Forster with “C” Coy, 10th Bn. Cheshire Reg’t Service No 13161, at the Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, l.C.12. He died on the 22nd May 1916 at the age of 25. Son of William Forster of 14 Liverpool St. Northwich, Cheshire.

Cheshirebmd record a number of lads named James Forster, but based on his age when he died, 25 in 1916, he is likely to have been born 1891, and cheshirebmd records the birth in 1891 Northwich. The 1911 census has this Forster family living on Liverpool St. Northwich. William, head of the family aged 45, Labourer at the Chemical Works, born Lostock; Mary Jane, wife age 45, born Tattenhall; James, son, aged 19 Labourer Brick Field, born N/wich; Thomas, son, aged 17, labourer Coal Agent, born Northwich; two daughters Harriet, 9 and Kate 6.

B.M. & Co. Roll of Honour records a James Forster, at the Lostock Works, Pte., with the 10th Cheshire; K.i.A.

N.A.M.C. have a card for a James Forster, Pte., Cheshire Reg’t. No 1161 (incomplete) He was awarded the 15 Star, British and Victory medals, T.o.W (1) France, D.o.E. 26-?-15. It is recorded on the medal that he died on the 22/5/16.

Northwich Guardian 2nd June 1916. THREW BOMB WITH GREAT COURAGE.

Probably the best tribute to the soldier like qualities of our great men is furnished in a letter sent by Sergeant T. Lines of the Cheshires to Mr. and Mrs Forster of 11 Liverpool Street, whose son, Private James Forster, fell in action. He says “It is with the deepest sympathy and regret that I write this letter informing you of your son’s death. He was wounded as you perhaps, know on the night of the 19th about nine o’clock. He was at the time with a few others holding a portion of ground in front of our firing line, when without the least warning the enemy attacked on three sides, about 500 strong. Your son, along with others, was a hero for they held their own against odds of 50 to 1. He threw bombs at them with great courage and skill and only when badly wounded with most of his men killed, did he give in. We rushed up reinforcements and fought the devils back, easily avenging our brave fellows who had fallen. I can speak of your son, without flattery, as a brave soldier who always had a cheery word even in the tightest corners and ever cracking jokes and was well liked and will be sadly missed by the few who were left out of his platoon, of which I happen to be his sergeant. I can quite understand you must feel great grief and pain but when you some to look round on other cases you can always see some even worse than your own. Out here one never knows the moment he may pass into the Great Beyond, for every second some soul is passing into Eternity. On behalf of his comrades and myself allow me to offer you our deepest sympathy in your hour of great trouble and extend the same to his relatives and friends. I hope God will give you strength to overcome your grief.”

Private Forster was 25 years of age. As a youth he was employed at Messrs Barlow clothiers, High Street but at the time of his enlistment was engaged at Messrs Brunner Mond and Company’s works at Lostock

Research Bob Heaton