FOSTER, John Henry

Private 35432 9th Bn. King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry

Died 23rd October 1918 (Age 21)

At Rest: Amerval Community Cemetery Extension, Solesmes, Nord, France
Grave ref.: C. 19

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John Henry Foster was born in 1897 at Lambley, Notts son of Henry Samuel Foster, a general labourer/colliery blacksmith and his wife Sarah Emma Foster. In 1901 the family was living at Attercliffe, Sheffield but by 1911 had moved to Albert Avenue, Jacksdale. John was one of three sons having younger brothers Jesse Alfred and Walter Stanley.

John Henry enlisted at Sheffield, date unknown. He saw service overseas in Western Europe. His younger brother Jesse also served during WW1 in the Royal Naval Division but was sent home in July 1917 when it was discovered he had lied about his age. Just months later, Jesse died of pneumonia and was buried at Westwood, St. Mary’s. At the time of Jesse’s death the family was living at Dixie Street, Jacksdale.

Only ten months later John’s parents were to receive the news that John had been killed in action on 23rd October 1918, just a few weeks before the war ended.

John was a recipient of the British War and Victory Medals.

John’s father John Henry died in 1946 and his mother Sarah Emma died in 1948, they are both buried in the family plot at St. Mary’s, which also mentions son Jesse.

Jesse is mentioned on his parents' grave in St. Mary's Churchyard

Jesse is mentioned on his parents’ grave in St. Mary’s Churchyard

FOSTER, John H