Personal Details

Born: William Alexander Foster on 9 July 1878 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 7 May 1879 in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch. (The family name was changed from Foster to Forster between 1881 and 1891)

Family: He was the youngest of four children born to Alexander Marshall Foster, a blacksmith, and his wife Sarah (nee Stockton). He married Ruth Scott in 1907 in Whitchurch and was father to Joseph and Alick.

Residence: At the time of his baptism, the family were living in Waymills, Whitchurch; by 1881 they had moved to 92 New Road, West Derby, Lancashire. In 1891 he was living with his grandparents at Moss Road, Whitchurch and in 1901 was residing with his cousin in Edgeley Road, Edgeley, Whitchurch. In 1911 he lived at 34 Bargates, Whitchurch and by 1939 had moved to 60 Smallbrook Road, Whitchurch. He continued to live here for the rest of his life.

Employment: In 1901 he was a postman and in 1911 he was employed as a boot repairer. His discharge papers detail his occupation as labourer. In 1939 he was working as an engineer’s storeman.

Died: 30 March 1957 in Whitchurch, aged 78 and was buried on 3 April the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Liverpool Regiment  

Rank: Private

Service Number: 74070

Date of Enlistment: 6 March 1916

Date of Discharge: 25 May 1917

Reason for Discharge: Being no longer physically fit for war service

Other Information: William had his left hand amputated which resulted in his discharge.