Photo: Michael Ellison
Illustrated Chronicle 17 02 1915
Wireless operator John Forster was killed as the result of a mutiny on SS Cardium amongst the Chinese crew whilst in the Persian Gulf in which three white officers were killed. W/Op Forster was wounded and taken to hospital where he died of his wounds.
The Illustrated Chronicle 17/02/1915 carries the report:
"John was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs James Forster of 29 Union Lane, Chester Moor. He was aged 21 and was employed by the Chester-le-Street Co-operative Society for at least 7 years as an apprentice.
John also played the organ at Chester Moor Mission church where he was a regular member.
About a year before his death he took up Wireless Telegraphy and being very apt and a keen learner, took part in October in the Marconi Wireless Coy exams. As a result he was sent immediately as a junior operator on a Mail Steamer between London and South Africa. On his return he was transferred to the S.S. Cardium an old steamer. He left the Tyne in the middle of December bound for India. On the 4th of February a mutiny broke out amongst the 40 Chinese crew."
Information: James Pasby
John Forster is remembered at Chester-le-Street on C105.01, C105.12, C105.15, and C105.40 and Chester MoorC123.02
There is no CWGC entry for Wireless Operator Forster.