Walter Foster
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Walter Foster was born on 10th February 1884 at Newark and was the son of the late Matthew and Elizabeth Foster née Odlin of 2 George Street, Newark. His father Matthew was born in 1853 at Stoke Rochford, Lincolnshire he died in 1887 at Newark aged 38 yrs, his mother Elizabeth Odlin was born in 1854 also at Stoke Rochford, they were married in 1874 at Newark and went on to have the following children, Lilly b1875, Sarah b1879, Walter b1884 and Ada b1886, all were born in Newark. He married his wife Bertha Stanniland (born 1888 East Markham) at Newark Registry Office on 25th January 1911, they lived at of 1 Norfolk Buildings Parker Street Newark, they had a daughter Phyllis Josephine born 5th February 1911 at Newark. In the 1911 census Walter is living with his family at 1 Norfolk Buildings, Barnby Gate, Newark, he is shown as a maltsters labourer 27 yrs and he is living with his wife Bertha 23 yrs and their daughter Phyllis Josephine 2 months of age. In the same 1911 census he his mother is living at 2 George Street, Newark she is shown as being 57 yrs a widow, she is living with her daughter Ada 25 yrs a tailoress
Private Walter Foster enlisted at Newark on 28th May 1902, he was 18 years and 3 months old, he was a labourer, he served with the Royal Garrison Artillery, serving for 12 years with the colours and was discharged on 27th May 1914 to the reserves following completion of his service. He was mobilised in August 1914 and transferred to the 15th battalion Sherwood Foresters. He landed in France on 5th June 1917 and was wounded in action on the Somme on 26th March 1918, he died at 6th General Hospital, Rouen as a result of these wounds on 4th April 1918. He is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France..
Article published 13th April 1918 in the Newark Herald :- Only son of Mrs Foster, George Street, Newark. Husband of Mrs B. Foster, 1 Norfolk Buildings, Parker Street, Newark. Educated at Lovers Lane school and a member of St. Leonards choir. Was in the regulars before the war, having served his time in the Royal Garrison Artillery and had completed his period on the reserve two months before the declaration of hostilities. At the time, working as a machine moulder at Messrs. Ransomes. But joined the National Reserve a couple of weeks after the outbreak, doing duty on the tubular bridge and other places. Later joined the Sherwood Foresters and went to France in June 1917. Wounded in the abdomen on March 28th and died in hospital at Rouen. Leaves a widow and daughter, aged seven.
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