Charles Evelyn FORREST (1876-1915)

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Charles Evelyn FORREST was born on 21st Aug 1876 in Lacey Green, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire[1]. He was the second child of John FORREST and Eveline RODGER.

He grew up in Cheltenham[2] and was educated at Uplands School, Epsom, and Uppingham School, Uppingham, Rutland[3][4].

Military Career

He followed his Grandfather John FORREST’s footsteps and joined the army. On 16th Oct 1895 he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion (Militia) Oxfordshire Light Infantry[5] and on 24th Apr 1897 promoted to Lieutenant[6]. 1st Dec 1897 he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in the Oxfordshire Light Infantry[7] and on 25th Oct 1898 promoted to Lieutentant[8].

He served in the South African War 1899-1902 and was employed with the Mounted Infantry, taking part in the operations in the Orange Free State Feb to May 1900, including actions at Vet River (5th-6th May 1900) and Zand River, involved in operations in the Transvaal in May and June 1900, including action near Johannesburg, operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River 1890-1900. He was briefly resident in Cowley Military Barracks[9] before being involved in operations in the Transvaal May to July 1901, and Oct 1901 to 31st May 1902, and those in Orange River Colony July to Oct 1901 (slightly wounded)[10].

He was mentioned in Despatches "In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa"[11] being awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal with three clasps and the King's South Africa Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order[12]. The Insignia were presented by the King on 29th Oct 1901 and on 22nd Mar 1903 he was promoted to Captain[13] (antedated to 22nd Feb 1903)[14].

He was Adjutant to the 6th Battalion Gloucestershire Light Regiment from 6th Oct 1910[15] to 31st Jul 1911 and served with the Indian Expeditionary Force in Mesopotamia[10]. He was recorded as living in Westbury-on-Trym fir the 1911 census[16]

Family

He married at Iffley, on 20th Aug 1910, Ruth Mary HOLMES À COURT[17], 2nd daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable Edward HOLMES À COURT.

Charles was killed in action at the Battle of Ctesiphon 22nd Nov 1915[18] dying without issue[19].

References