2142 Sergeant Robert Thomas Reginald Foster DCM
NSW Fire Brigades - Contributor Ian Grimwood AFSMRobert Thomas Reginald Foster
Born: 1888, Rous, NSW. Occupation: Grocer
Appointed to the Boolaroo Volunteer Brigade 15th August 1910. Resigned 30th April 1915.
Enlisted: 20th April 1915, 6th Reinforcements / 1st Battalion Australian Infantry. Embarked Sydney per HMAT A63 “Karoola”, 16th June 1915. Joined 1st Battalion at Gallipoli 6th August 1915.
Wounded 9th August 1915 - gunshot wound to thighs and right testicle. Transferred to 53rd Battalion, Australian Infantry, 14th February 1916.
Died of Wounds: 11th April 1917
Buried: St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France
His brother, 2300 Pte W H R Foster 36th Btn AIF, KIA 10/06/1917, also commemorated on his headstone. Epitaph on grave “One Hope, One Destiny”.
Recommendation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal for continuous good work and devotion to duty.
During the very trying period when the Battalion was in the line near Flers. he carried rations to the front line. He was always the first to volunteer to take the place of sick men and worked without rest during most of this time.
On December 3rd 1916, during one of these trips, the approaches to the Battalion lines were being heavily shelled. After delivering the rations he came across a wounded man, who was being attended to by stretcher bearers of another Battalion.
He immediately volunteered and helped to carry the wounded man to the aid post, through the fire and across the open. He has always shown a fine example to the men under him. He has had service in Gallipoli, Egypt and France, and has been absent from his unit only for a little while in hospital, on account of wounds received on 19th July 1916 at Fleurbaix.
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal to the under mentioned Warrant Officers, Non – Commissioned Officers and Men for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty in the field.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.
He has consistently shown great gallantry when under heavy fire, and has at all times set a splendid example to his men.
London Gazette 9th July 1917
Distinguished Conduct Medal
1914/15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
