Arthur's Story.
Remembered on St. Helen’s Northwich Memorial and the Northwich Town Memorial along with his brother Harry.
Northwich Guardian 23rd September 1916, DIED OF WOUNDS PRIVATE ARTHUR FORSTER
Private Arthur Forster, a Castle member of the Cheshire Regiment, has died of wounds. A fine young fellow, 20 years of age, he was a quiet type of the British soldier. He lived with his father, Mr. Samuel Forster at 8 Ryder Street, and was a brick-setter in the employ of Messrs Crawford and Hulse builders. He was a member of Mr. Birtwistle’s Bible Class in connection with the Wesleyan Chapel and was a playing member of the Castle Wesleyan Football Club.
At the beginning of last week Mr. Forster senior received the following postcard:- “One line to let you know that I have been wounded rather badly. Don’t worry as I hope soon to be well enough to be sent to England. I am too ill to write myself but the chaplain is writing for me. With love to all.”
Two or three days later the sister in charge of a casualty clearing station wrote to Mr. and Mrs Forster:- “I am sorry to tell you that your son Private A. Forster died on September 22nd of sever wounds in the arm, back, thigh and hand. He received every care and attention, everything possible being done for him.” Mr. and Mrs Forster have another son serving at the front with the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. (Harry No 15518)
C.W.G.C. remember an Arthur Forster Pte., No 1746 with the 1st/5th Bn. Cheshire Regiment, who died on the 23rd September 1916 aged 20, at the Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension, (Plot 2. Row E. Grave 24) France. With the additional Info of “Son of Samuel and Mary Forster of 8 Ryder Street Castle, Northwich, Cheshire. With the Personal Inscription; In the midst of life we are in death.
The Cheshire Regiment Book records under the 1/5th Battalion listings; Forster Arthur, b. Witton, Northwich, Ches., e. Hartford (Castle Northwich Ches.) 1746, Pte., d. of w. F. & F., 23/9/16.
N.A.M.C. the medal card records Forster Arthur, Cheshire Regiment, 1746, Private, Awarded the 15 Star, British and Victory medals, T.o.W France, D.o.E. 15.2.15, with the note D. of W. 23/9/16.
Cheshirebmd records 4 births of lads named Arthur Forster 1895/6 in Weaverham and Northwich. The 1911 census has a Forster family living at 10 Harrisons Place, Castle, Northwich, with Samuel Forster, aged 48 head of the family, General Labourer, born Castle; Mary wife aged 41, having had 6 children and all surviving, 5 at home including Harry age 17, apprentice Bricklayer; Arthur aged 15, also apprentice Bricklayer, with Dora, James and John, all born at Castle.
Research Bob H.