Stephen Forrest

Stephen Forrest, one of 6 known children all of whom survived, was the youngest of 4 brothers and 2 sisters. His father James Rendel Forrest was born, May 11th 1862, at Birkenhead, Cheshire, the son James and Elizabeth Forrest, brought to the north east as a child. In 1871 his father was a boot-maker in Elswick, a suburb of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland, before they moved for a while to Gateshead, County Durham, later returning to Newcastle where at the age of 25, James Rendel Forrest was married at All Saints, Newcastle, May 30th 1887 to local girl Ellen Watson. George Watson Forrest, named in honour of her father, was born November 13th 1887, James Jnr in 1890 and by 1891 they were living at 21, Miller’s Hill, where Samuel was born in 1892, his father was now employed as a dock yard labourer. Their daughters Mary Ann and Francis Watson Forrest were born in 1894 and 1896 respectively and Stephen Ridley Forrest, March 18th 1898. Unfortunately, Ellen Forrest nee Watson died during the 3rd quarter (Jul/Aug/Sep) 1899, leaving her widowed husband with 6 children under the age of 11. James Forrest never remarried and by 1901 had moved with his children to Ford Court, just off Byker Bank, Newcastle, supporting them by working as a labourer on the quayside, ten years later he had been joined by 21-year-old James Jnr while Mary Ann (17) was employed as a general servant, Frances (15) remained at home, Stephen (13) was a scholar, they now lived in 2 rooms at Salisbury Street, Byker, George and Samuel had both left home.

When war was declared with Germany, August 4th 1914, Stephen was only 16 years of age, too young to serve his Country, however, having witnessed his older brothers enlist, he lied about his age. He presented himself at the recruitment office and was assigned as Private 3332 to the 6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, a Territorial Force with H.Q. at St. George’s Drill Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The main body of the battalion departed to France, April 1915, attached to the 149th Brigade, 50th Northumbrian Division, he was not drafted to the front until October 30th 1915, still officially two years under-age for service overseas. Unfortunately, his military record has not been found, he was at some point posted to the 1/7th Battalion with a change of service number to 88933. Both Battalions during 1916 were engaged on the Somme before moving to the Arras sector participating during the Battle of Arras, April 9th-May 16th 1917 until they transferred to the battlefields of the Ypres salient in Belgium, in action during the 2nd Battle of Passchendaele, October 26th-November 10th 1917 where they spent another winter in the mud filled trenches. It was here, December 12th 1917, as announced in the London Gazette, that Private Forrest was awarded the Military Medal, a decoration for bravery in battle on land. Either during the period of the battle or immediately afterwards he was posted to the 11th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, 23rd Division, as Private 265656 and departed November 1917 with his regiment to Italy concentrating between Mantua and Marcaria before taking over the front line at the Montello, December 4th 1917. In 1918 they fought on the Asiago Plateau and at the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, the passage of the Piave and the Monticano. The Italian Armistice was declared at 3pm, November 4th 1918 when the Division was midway between the Rivers Livanza and Meduna, east of Sacile. After moving to billets near Treviso demobilisation began as of January 1919. During his service he rose to the rank of Lance Sergeant. Recipient of the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and Military Medal at the conclusion of hostilities he was only 21 years of age.

Although all the Forrest brothers were eligible for war service only the details of his brothers George and Samuel have been found. They too served with the Northumberland Fusiliers, George survived the conflict, Private Samuel Forrest died of wounds sustained whilst serving in Belgium.

Stephen Forrest after his arrival in England returned to live at 5, Ford Court, Newcastle-upon-Tyne with his brother George. He was married August 11th 1919 at Newcastle to Mary E. Tulip, where she was born, December 12th 1895 and with whom he had 6 children, Stephen Ridley Forrest Jnr, January 9th 1920-1997, Margaret 1921, Mary Elizabeth Gilbert nee Forrest, December 31st 1924-February 23rd 1999. Ellen 1929, Reginald John, April 7th 1933-November 1991 and June in 1936.

Stephen Ridley Forrest died January 18th 1969 aged 70 years, Mary E. Forrest nee Tulip aged 80 years, July 17th 1976, both registered in the district of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In peace.

Stephen Forrest is remembered at Byker on B95.26