Description
1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medal, Royal Naval Sick Berth Long Service and Good Conduct, St John Ambulance Corps LS Medal, Joseph Forster, Senior Reserve Attendant, Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve, Royal Navy.
Trio named: “M9272 J. Forster S.R.A. R.N.”
RNASBR LSGC named: “485. J. Forster. S.R.A. R.N.A.S.B.R.”
St John medal named: “3748 Pte J. Forster. Altrincham Div No 4 Dist S.J.A.B. 1924”
Joseph Forster was born on 29th May 1883 in Altrincham, Cheshire.
When he joined the Royal Navy he was a Pork Butcher.
On 2nd August 1914 he was called up and formally attested for service at HMS Victory I, he joined the RNASBR as a Junior Reserve Attendant.
Not long afterwards on 7th October 1914 he joined HMS Pembroke I as a Sick Berth Assistant.
On 3rd May 1915 he was promoted to Senior Reserve Assistant which he served as until the end of the war, being then discharged to shore on 25th March 1919.
For many years before he was a Naval Reservist of the Altrincham Division, St John Ambulance Brigade, the Northwich Guardian 16th June 1909, which states he was amongst the reservist to receive a medallion for passing 3 years examinations. There was a lengthy article on the presentation ceremony:
“NAVAL RESERVISTS
INSPECTION AT ALTRINCHAM
Proceedings of an interesting character took place in the Literary Institute, Altrincham, on Friday Evening, in the from of an inspection of the Naval Reservists of the Altrincham Division of the St John Ambulance Brigade. This was carried out by Deputy Inspector General Bean of the Medical Department of the Admiralty, in the presence of many spectators.
Nearly 20 reservists were examined. These men have enrolled themselves for service for the purpose of supplementing the Royal Naval Sick Berth Staff and are liable to be called upon in case of a maritime war or any national crisis within 24 hours.
8 of the men have recently returned from Plymouth, where they underwent a week’s training, for which they gained certificated of efficiency….
…The Recipients were:-…… Medallions:…. Joseph Forster.”
