William Foster

Who was William Foster?

William George Foster GC MC DCM was a British Home Guard officer who was posthumously awarded the George Cross for the heroism he displayed on 13 September 1942 when his prompt actions saved his comrades after a grenade accident during training in Ashley Hill, Clarendon Park near Salisbury in Wiltshire. In protecting his comrades from death or severe injury his own life was lost.

He was born at sea on 12 December 1881 and fought in the Boer War with the 2nd Imperial Light Horse, returning to Britain after being seriously wounded. After being discharged as medically unfit he rejoined the army, in the 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers and fought in the First World War at Ypres and Mons, being mentioned in dispatches three times. He won the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Cross in 1916 while serving with the 3rd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. He was commissioned in 1916 and retired in 1919 as a Captain.

In the Second World War he joined the 7th Wiltshire Battalion of the Home Guard as a Lieutenant. Notice of his citation was published in the London Gazette of 27 November 1942.