Harold Foster

William Harold Foster was born in 16th May 1894 at Langwith known as Harold he was the son of William a coal miner and Rosetta Foster, née Hesketh, of 80 Broxtowe Drive, Mansfield. William was born in 1872, Rosetta Hesketh was born in 1873 both were born in Nuthall, they were married on 2nd November 1893 at St John’s Church, Bulwell, they went on to have 6 children, sadly 1 died in infancy or early childhood. In the 1911 census the family are living at 60 Broxtowe Drive, Mansfield William 39 yrs is a coal miner, he is living with his wife Rosetta 38 yrs and their children, William Harold 16 yrs a coal miner, Lilly Sabine 15 yrs a tin maker, Florence 10 yrs, Hilda Mary 6 yrs and Ivy Hilda 5 yrs of age.

Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser; 13/05/1915. Photograph. In his last letter home which had been received on 1/5/15, the day after his death. he asked them to send milk and thanked them for the cake he had received. In the 25/11/1915 edition details of the Memorial service which had been held at the Bridge St Weslyen Chapel were given. Over 1000 people attended.Article published in the Mansfield Reporter and Sutton Times on 7th May 1915 :- “ANOTHER MANSFIELD SOLDIER KILLED. “BULLET THROUGH HIS BODY. “Information was received yesterday [6th May 1915] of the death of Private Harold Foster, of Mansfield, whose parents live in Broxtowe-drive. The deceased was only 20 years of age. “The sad intelligence was contained in the following letters received from the Lieut.-Col. commanding the 8th Sherwood Foresters, and Lieut. Piggford: — “May 2nd, 1915. “Dear Sir, — l am extremely sorry to have to inform you that your son, No. 1645, Pte. H. Foster, was shot in the trenches by a German bullet on Friday. [30th April 1915] He was with a working party behind the trench when a bullet went through his body. He died almost immediately. He was buried in the military cemetery here last night by Mr. Chaplain M. Hale. Will you accept my deep sympathy for you in this, your sad loss. All I can say is that he has died as a true Englishman should, with his face to the country's enemy. We are up against a very big thing here, and want every man, so his loss is the more felt. — With renewed sympathy, believe me, I yours very truly, G. HERBERT FOWLER,Lieut-Colonel, 8th Sherwood Foresters. “May 1st, 1915. “Dear Mr. Foster, — I deeply regret to have to tell you of the death of your son, Private H. Foster, which occurred last night. As his Platoon Commander I feel his loss very much. He was good soldier, and was always ready to carry out any duty which might fall to his lot. He died whilst doing his duty. I admired his quiet and unassuming disposition, and believe that his character was one which many of us might do well to copy. It may be some comfort to you to know that he was laid to rest in a little burial ground consecrated for our soldiers by the Battalion Chaplain. Please accept on your own behalf and that of his relatives and friends, my sincere sympathy. — Yours sincerely. PIGGFORD,Lieutenant.” Above article is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918