Hi to all,
I have had help before on this gentleman who was my grandfather, from kind people on here. He was 2AB war/WWI France/Home Guard - killed 1942. He began the lst WW as a CSM/Quartermaster and in 1916 (I think) was a Captain. As far as I knew he was at the Somme then wounded at St. Elois and then went on to instructor duties when recovered i.e. musketry school in Hythe and Horsemanship. I knew from his MIC card that he had been seconded to a British Military Mission in Washington but absolutely nothing about what he did there. My sister has a contact in USA who found out the following from American/Canadian sources which means nothing to me or her (Incidentally, I have just been told by the MOD that his service record cannot be found).
British Military Mission in Washington DC in 1917: 25.5.1917
The British War Mission left American soil and crossed into Canada today after six weeks of conferences which are expected vitally to affect the future of this country, if not the world.
Canadian Unit in France in 1916 with Cap. W.G. Foster as Quartermaster and then Adjutant
On the 1st of August 1916 the 54th Kootenay Battalion, Canadian Army was relieved by the 7th Battalion, moving back into brigade support and taking up its abode in the cellars of Lievin. During the months to follow we were to become acquaninted very intimately with this town of Lievin, more especially its cellars and underground passages, also its many dangerous spots, such as Napoo Corner, The Square, Crow Dump and such other places where the pursuit of our profession called us. Memories to be associated with our stay in this town will be chiefly composed of Hun gas and 5.9's, flying bricks and salvaged fruit and vegetables from the old French gardens.
About this time Capt W.G. Foster, who had been our Quartermaster since the beginning, took over the duties of Adjutant.
On the 10th August the Battalion again moved to the front line. During the whole of this period large working parties were called for, many new trenches being dug and preliminary arrangements made for the taking of Lens. The month alternated between front line tours and tours in reserve and support. A hurry up call was received on 21st to go to Lievin from Zouave Valley (where the Battalion then was) to support the 10th Brigade. This was successfully accomplished in a very short time, in spite of heavy shelling by the Bosche.
First of all, I find it hard to believe this is the same man in that having been injured in 1915 (I think) he was back in the field. He certainly was a Quartermaster - not sure what an Adjutant is! I have never heard of any of the events at Lens, Lievin, Zouave Valley and what "10th Brigade". William Foster (or Walter Gordon as the army seemed to call him with the correct army number 12391) was a Royal Fusilier - I think when he went to Washington he went as Army Service Corps - he was, however, discharged as a Royal Fusilier in 1920.
Does the above scenario seem compatible with this man's MIC and what about the battles - I have never heard of them.
Would be interested to hear other's comments and grateful for them. I am sorry this is so long. [I do not know the source of the info this chap supplied to my sister but he is a Ret Col from the US army (Vietnam Vet) and also a retired priest so it should be good]
Sue
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Topic: Capt W G Foster GC MC DCM (Read 1958 times)