WW1 Casualty: Private 14281 William Foster - Private 14281 William Foster
Prescot Reporter 03/11/1916
| Unit/Regiment |
4th Bn, King's (Liverpool Regiment) |
| Date of Death |
11/04/1918 |
Age at Death |
21 |
Burial/Memorial
& Reference |
Chocques Military Cemetery
VI A 32 |
| CWGC Family Details (if shown) |
Son of William and Sarah Foster, of 36, Houghton St., Prescot, Lancs. |
| Census Details |
1901 Census -
William Foster, a 39 year old Watch Regulator Maker, lived at 23, Houghton Street with his wife Sarah (39), and children Jane (17), Ann (12), Thomas (10), William (5), Sarah (3) and Arthur (1). |
| SDGW - Where Born |
Prescot, Lancs |
| Enlisted |
Liverpool |
| Resided |
Prescot |
| How Died |
Killed in Action |
Theatre of War |
France & Flanders |
| Research Ref. No. |
P112 |
Service Details
William Foster's entry ion the 1914 Electoral Roll for prescot
His neighbour, James Stevenson, died of wounds three days after William's death
William Foster enlisted on 1st September 1914. He was 19 years and 30 days old and worked as a 'Driller'. He was single and his next of kin was recorded as his father, William Foster, of 36 Houghton Street, Prescot. His religion was recorded as 'Wesleyan'.
At his medical examination, it was noted that he stood 5 foot 6 inches in height, weighed 125 pounds and had a 35 inch chest measurement, expandable by two inches. He had blue eyes and brown hair. He had a clasped hands tattoo on his left wrist. As a result of the examination, he was found to be fit for military service. He was immediately posted to the 4th (Reserve) Battalion of the King's (Liverpool) Regiment at Seaforth.
He remained in the UK on training duty until 3rd March 1915 when he embarked for France, arriving there the following day.
William's service record shows that he was granted leave from 19th to 26th March 1916, from 25th August to 4th September 1917 and again from 21st March to 4th April 1918. His military conduct sheets shows no charges or offences throughout his service.
He was awarded the Military Medal, with the London Gazette announcement being made in September 1916. No citation for the award could be found, but it is likely that the award was for an action around June/July of 1916.
At the time of the Battle of Messines (10th & 11th April 1918) the 4th Battalion, while not directly involved in the battle, were in the general area of the fighting. They left Ambrines on the 10th April by train for Strazeele, detraining at Caestre on 11th. From here, they marched firstly to bivouacs near Fletre then at 6.30 p.m., they once again moved off, this time to Ravelsberg Camp where they spent the night.
The Parish Magazine of 29th May 1918 added 10 names to the existing 106 who had already fallen, including 'Pte. William Foster, 22, King's Liverpool. Had gained the M.M. in September 1916 and fell in action on 9th April 1918. Lived with parents, 36 Houghton Street".
In 1919, the Army Records Office wrote to William's father asking that all family details be supplied in order that the delivery of the Memorial Scroll and Plaque could be arranged. William (senior) wrote back to say that the family comprised himself, his wife Sarah at the same address, and other children are listed as Thomas (29), Arthur (19) John (14), Jane (35, married), Ann (30, married),Sarah (20, married) and Alice (16, single). The form listing the family was witnessed by Councillor Lucas on 16th April 1919 and returned.
On 22nd June 1919, William's mother Sarah wrote to acknowledge receipt of his 1914-1914-1915 Star and then on 23rd August 1921, she wrote again to say she had received his British War Medal and Victory Medal.
His service is commemorated on the Methodist Church Roll of Honour
The announcement of Pte. Foster's award in the London Gazette
William Foster's Medal Index Card
Private Foster's grave at Chocques Military Cemetery
Member Comments(0)
Please select a letter for a surname list:
|
