James Douglas Forster (1894-1917)
Swalwell fitter served as an engine room artificer in the Royal Navy
James Douglas Forster was born in Swalwell, Gateshead on 24 October 1894. He appears as Douglas Forster in both the 1901 and 1911 censuses but was known as James Douglas Forster in his military records. His father was James Forster (1864-1946), a machinist from Swalwell. His mother was Isabella Forster (born 1869) also from Swalwell. His parents married around 1890. They had 12 children, eight of whom were still alive at the time of the 1911 census. Of the surviving children James was second eldest with one older brother and six younger sisters.
At the time of the 1901 census the Forster family were living at 64 Park Terrace, Swalwell. By the time of the 1911 census they had moved to 18 Crowley Road, Swalwell. James was working as an apprentice in an engine shop in 1911.
James joined the Royal Navy on 4 April 1917. He had been working as a fitter and turner in civilian life. He was rated as an engine room artificer 4th class and given the service number M25803. He was posted to HMS Dolphin in Gosport, South Hampshire. Gosport was the shore base of the Royal Navy Submarine Service and home of the Submarine School. Whilst serving there James died on 21 October 1917. Notes on his service record indicate that he died a “sudden death after hurrying to catch a boat (heart disease)”. His body was returned home and he is buried in the Garden House Cemetery, Swalwell.
James Douglas Forster was awarded the British War Medal for his service in World War One.
Civil Parish: Whickham
Birth date: 24-Oct-1894
Death date: 21-Oct-1917
Armed force/civilian: Navy
Residence: 64 Park Terrace, Swalwell (1901 census)
18 Crowley Road, Swalwell (1911 census)
Employment: Apprentice in engine shop (1911 census)
Fitter and turner (1917 service record)
Family: Parents: James Forster (1864-1946), Isabella Forster (1869-1949)
Siblings: Sydney Forster (b 1890), Cissy Forster (b 1897), Isabella Forster (b 1900), Elsie Forster (b 1902), Glendoris Forster (b 1906), Mary Forster (b 1908), Eveline Forster (b 1910)
Military service:
Royal Navy
Service Number M25803
Engine room artificer 4th class
Medal(s): British War Medal
Memorial(s): Garden House Cemetery, Swalwell
Gender: Male
Contributed by David D, Stanley, Co Durham