Joseph William Foster
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Joseph William Foster, born 1884, one of 10 known children, was the 2nd born of 6 sons and had 2 elder and 2 younger sisters. His parents Joseph Foster and Mary Hannah Bainbridge, both born in 1860 at Stanhope, County Durham were married in the district of Weardale in 1878. In 1881 they were living at Pity Me with their children Isabella 1879 and John Henry 1881, Joseph was employed as a woodman. Margaret Foster was born in 1882, Joseph William 1884, Ernest 1887, Emma 1890 and Henry known as Harry in 1891 while they were living at George Close, Stanhope. Later they moved to Hope House and went on to have a further 3 children, Arthur 1895, Mary Elizabeth 1897 and Wilfred 1900, Joseph William'92s father had now been working as a limestone quarryman for over ten years and was joined by John Henry (20) and William (17).
Joseph William married in the district of Lanchester in 1910, Annie Laing born 1881 at St Oswalds, Northumberland, settling at 23, Knitsley Avenue, Consett, County Durham, employed as a gas producer's fireman at the Consett Iron Company. His parents were living at Castle Dene, Leadgate. His father was employed as a farmer as were Harry (18) and Arthur (16), sister Emma (21) worked in the dairy, Mary Ethel (14) assisted her mother, Wilfred (11) a scholar. William's wife died 1913.
Joseph William Foster enlisted at Ferryhill in 1915, assigned as Private 19669 to the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) he was posted to the 10th Battalion part of Kitchener's Second New Army raised at Hamilton in September 1914, part of the 46th Brigade, 15th Division. The main body of men trained at Winchester, Salisbury Plain and Chisledon and landed at Boulogne, France, July 10th 1915 and fought at the Battle of Loos. Once his training was complete Private Foster joined his battalion in the field during 1916 where they participated in a major role during the Battles of the Somme at Pozieres July 23rd-September 3rd, Flers-Courcelette September 15th-22nd and Le Transloy October 1st-18th. before moving to the Arras sector in spring 1917 in preparation for the offensive during the 1st and 2nd Battles of the Scarpe phases of the Battle of Arras, April 9th-May 16th 1917.
Having risen through the ranks the now Lance Corporal 19669 William Foster Cameronians was killed in action March 29th 1917 and interred at Faubourg D'Amiens Cemetery, Arras, Pas de Calais France, grave III. L. 30. He was 33 years of age.
His father commissioned at a cost of 17 shillings 9 pence an additional inscription to be added to his military headstone, it reads, 'Greater Love hath No Man Than This That He Lay Down His Life For His Friends.' His parents at the time of his demise were living at Castle Dene, Iveston, Leadgate, County Durham as listed by the CWGC. His sisters Emma and Mary Elizabeth Foster were nominated by him as joint beneficiaries, they received all monies owed to him by the Army and his awards of the British War medal and Victory Medal.
In God's safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
The Blaydon Courier 02/04/1921 reads:-
In proud and loving memory of our dears on L.Corpl. J W Foster, 10th Scottish rifles who was killed in action in France March 29th 1917. Dearer to memory then words can tell. Are the thoughts of our son we loved so well. Four years have passed our hearts still sore. As time rolls on we miss him more. Peace be your rest dear son. Tis sweet to recall your name. In life we loved you very dear. In death we do the same. Ever remembered by father and mother, sisters and brothers of Castle Dene farm
Joseph William Foster is remembered at Iveston on I5.01 at Knitsley on K31.01 and at Lanchester on L62.01
