The AIF Project

Alexander Coulton FORSTER

Regimental number6996
Place of birthOutram Victoria
ReligionSeventh Day Adventist
OccupationPlumber
AddressRiver Avenue, Collie, Western Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFather, Alexander Forster, River Avenue, Collie, Western Australia
Enlistment date2 October 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll2 September 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name16th Battalion, 23rd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/33/5
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 23 December 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll16th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 1 June 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in Western Australia Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Military Medal

'Is brought to notice for most conspicuous gallantry, ability and devotion to duty in an attack on LE VERGUIER on the 18th September, 1918. When his Company was about half way through the village it was suddenly fired on at point blank range by an enemy machine gun. Without hesitation he immediately rushed the gun single handed and put it and the crew out of action with a phosphorous bomb. Later, as the advance proceeded he again rushed a Post and captured single handed 12 enemy prisoners. His contempt for danger throughout the operation and his utter disregard for his personal safety was an example to all ranks.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death24 January 1966

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