Tuesday 10 March 2009

Private Arthur James Foster, MM

Born on 7 January 1898 in Peterborough, Ontario - son of Mrs. Jeain Foster, Thornloe, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Thornloe, Ontario, trade as farmer, single, currently a member of the militia, no previous military service, Baptist, height of 5 feet 10.5 inches, chest of 37 inches fully expanded, fair complexion, dark blue eyes, light brown hair.

Joined the 159th Battalion, CEF, in New Liskeard, Ontario, on 26 June 1916 (number 649474) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 26 or 27 June 1917 - wounded on 30 September 1918 - invalided to England on 17 October 1918.

Awarded the Military Medal - no citation - unit recommendation dated 7 September 1918: "For gallant services as a stretcher bearer during Scarpe Operations, Sept 1st and 2nd 1918."

3 comments:

tennyson said...

In 1920 Foster published an account of his experience at Cambrai entitled ‘The advance on Cambrai’ in Legion Magazine, 73:5 (November/ December 1998), p. 10-13.

tennyson said...

Correction. I meant to say that he wrote the account in 1920. It was published in 1998.

Ken said...

Thanks for this! I'll take a look for the article. I've seen his memoirs at Library and Archives Canada. Hopefully the Legion Magazine story can provide more information. Thanks again.