Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
William Foster born 1895, son of Thomas Foster, having enlisted at the outbreak of war was firstly assigned as Private 16022 Durham Light Infantry, battalion unknown, later transferred as Private R/387271 to the Royal Army Service Corps Remounts Service, responsible for the welfare and distribution of horses and mules to all other army units. It was not a large part of the ASC, despite the huge numbers of animals produced, amounting in 1914 to only four Remount Squadrons that ran four Remount Depots (Woolwich, Dublin, Melton Mowbray and Arborfield). As the army expanded, several more ASC Remount Squadrons were established at home and overseas. ASC Remounts personnel in the Middle East theatres were supplemented by similar units of the Indian Army.
Private Forster’s military record no longer exists, one of the 70% destroyed during the blitz of WW2, it is therefore impossible to know his exact movements, the cause of his return to England or the circumstances of his death.
Private 387271 William Foster R.A.S.C. died February 4th 1919, “at home”, cause unknown, and is at rest, SE part, Heworth (St. Mary) Churchyard, near Gateshead, County Durham. He was 24 years old and single.
His father Thomas Foster received all monies due to him and his awards of the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
William Foster is remembered at Heworth on H92.03
