Heslop's Local Advertiser

D.C. Forster

David Crosbie Forster Jnr was born in 1885 at Felling. Gateshead, County Durham, one of 10 children, of whom only 6 survived, he was the second born of 4 sons and 2 daughters. His father David Crosbie Forster Snr was born at Applegarth, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, in 1850 and brought to England by his parents Peter and Janet Forster, they were living at Quarry Row, Felling in 1961.

David Forster Snr was married at Gateshead in 1881 to Belinda M. Meek originally of Gloucestershire, born 1862. He supported his wife and children working as a joiner/carpenter, living at 19, Heworth Street, Felling in 1891. Eldest son William at the age of 15 worked at the colliery as a pony lad below ground. By 1911 they were living in the same street but had moved to 4 rooms at number 1. William was now employed as a chemist’s assistant, David (21) as a wood machinist at a joinery works and John (16) a pick sharpener at the colliery, Joseph (8) attended school while Janet (27) and Belinda (17) remained at home assisting their mother in running the household.

David Crosbie Forster enlisted during WW1 assigned as Private to the Northumberland Fusiliers serving on the Western Front. Whilst home on leave he was married at Gateshead during the 2nd quarter (Apr/May/Jun) 1916 to Alice Pocock. He survived the conflict and was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and Military Medal awarded for acts of bravery during battle on land.

He returned to Felling where he and his wife created their family consisting of 3 sons, David 1923-2005, Leslie 1925 who died before his first birthday and Raymond 1929-1985.

David’s father David Crosby Forster died in 1924 aged 74 years, his mother Belinda Forster nee Meek aged 83 in 1945. David Crosby Forster died aged 79 years in 1968, details of Alice Forster nee Pocock unknown. All deaths registered in the district of Gateshead, County Durham.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.

Heslop's Local Advertiser 18/8/1916 reports:

Private David C. Forster.

It is reported that Private David C. Forster, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Forster, of Heworth Street, Felling, has been awarded the Military Medal. This news has been received with delight by Private Forster's many friends and acquaintances. He went over to France full of enthusiasm, and determined to do his best against the enemy. Recently he was home on leave and during his short respite was married to Miss Pocock, of Booth Street. His parents are well-known life-long residents of the district, and their three sons have joined the colours, and are at present in the midst of the fray. We feel sure our readers will join us in congratulating Private David Forster on securing so distinguished a mark of valour."

His name appears on the ROH from High Felling Council School F32.23