George Foster

Driver George Foster, enlisted at Mansfield and served with the 18th Divisional Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery. He landed in France on 28th July 1915 and was killed in action on 25th June 1916, he is buried in Carnoy Military Cemetery,

His brother Private James Foster, served with the 16th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment (Chatsworth Rifles), he was killed in action on 12th July 1916. He is buried in Le Touret Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L'Avoue. Report published 28th July 1916 in the Mansfield Reporter and Sutton Times :- “Very sad news indeed reached two Mansfield families a few days ago. Two brothers of the name of Foster, who married two sisters, have both made the supreme sacrifice. “Driver George Foster (in the R.F.A.), 38, Pembroke-street, Mansfield, the father of five children, after serving 11 months in France, is officially reported killed, and his brother James, 82, Stockwell-gate, married and three children, a Sherwood Forester, was killed on the 12th inst. In regard to the last-named the widow has received a letter from an officer conveying the sad intelligence. He says: “We were shelled heavily by the enemy, and your husband was struck by a shell and died instantly, thus suffering no pain. I personally saw him a few minutes before, and he was behaving bravely and spoke cheerily, asking if he could help me. He was always brave, cool, and collected, and met the death of a soldier worthily, grandly and unflinchingly. He was one of the best men in my platoon, and I am genuinely sorry to lose him. As a soldier in my platoon he was very valuable, and his example encouraged and cheered the others. As a man I was fond of him. Pray accept my sympathy and anything I can do for you, please let me know. Your consolation lies in the knowledge that he died a soldier's death and his name is on the Roll of Honour of the Regiment in which he chose to fight for his country and the freedom of all.” “Mrs. Geo. Foster has received a letter from Captain Power, as follows:— “I regret to have to tell you your husband was killed on the night of the 29th of June [1] by shell fire. He died on duty for his King and country, and was killed instantly. You have my most sincere sympathy. He was a real good soldier, and was respected by all his comrades. There is not one that does not mourn his loss. May the good God comfort you and your children in their great loss. All his effects have been sent to you.” “The Battalion [sic] Sergeant-Major has also written Mrs. Foster a letter of sympathy on behalf of the officers and men of the No. 4 Section D.A.C.” [1] All official sources agree that his death took place on 25th June 1916. Above article is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.