Reginald FORREST

'Clitheroe Times’ (7 October 1916)

(Kindly supplied by Shirley Penman of Clitheroe and Dorothy Falshaw of Gisburn)

A BRAVE SON

LIEUTENANT FORREST KILLED AT HIS POST

It is with deep regret that we record the death of Lieutenant Reginald Forrest, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Forrest of Major House, Clitheroe. The sad news was received on Wednesday afternoon by telegram, the secretary at the War Office wiring:

Regret to inform you that Lieut. R. Forrest, 4th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, was killed in action on September 28th. The Army Council send their sympathy.

In addition a letter was received from Lieutenant-Colonel R. Hindle, who says: “I am extremely grieved to have to tell you of the death of your son who was killed in action on September 27th, whilst the Battalion was attacking the German trenches in the great offensive. He was acting as Intelligence Officer and doing his work exceedingly well, showing very great courage and ability. At the time of his death he was observing the progress of the advance from a point of vantage. He was hit by a shell and killed instantaneously. I know that I am able to offer very little consolation at this time, but I should like you to know that he never suffered and felt nothing whatever…. I will arrange for someone when on leave to tell you where he fell and where he is buried…. Will you please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of a brave son.”

Lieutenant Forrest joined the army along with some thirty of his friends during the first month of war, the contingent, which joined the 1st 5th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, being styled “The Cuffs and Collars.” Clitheroe people know very well the subsequent movements of that happy band, of how they were rushed through training, and despatched to France, there to endure the trials if siege warfare in trenches through winter, summer and winter again. They know too of the many marvellous escapes the company had and of the praise given the Clitheroe men for their soldierly bearing under grave difficulties. Corporal Forrest as he then was, was with the company through all, one of the “leading lights” of as bright a body of men as ever went to France. He, with his pals, worked hard, and when official recognition of their proficiency came alone [sic] in the shape of commissions, he was one of the proud recipients. His forte in military matters lay in the region of bombs, and we remember that when on furlough he gave the Adult School a fine lecture on that branch of attacking material. When gazetted to the 4th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment–he previously in the 5th–he was made bombing officer whilst at Blackpool, with the training battalion, but was speedily sent out to France, there to perform the exacting duties of an officer on service. He had been out three months, when he was killed, and nobody who knew him will be surprised to learn he died at his post in an exposed position.

Lieutenant Forrest, who was twenty-six years of age, was exceedingly well known throughout the Clitheroe district. He was educated at Clitheroe Grammar School and later took the young man’s interest in sport, and played football with Clitheroe Amateurs for several seasons.

Lieutenant Forrest was secretary to, and life and soul of the Clitheroe Junior Unionists. He was keenly interested in politics and was offered by Mr. Arbuthnot and accepted a post as assistant organiser to Mr. Tom Smith. In time he would probably have left the London City and Midland Bank to devote his whole attention to the Unionist cause.

His death is a great loss, greatest of course to the Forrest family. We extend to them sincere sympathy in their sorrow.

England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966

1922

FORREST Thomas of Major House Church-street Clitheroe Lancashire died 5 January 1922 Probate London 13 June to Thomas Henry Nowell Forrest dental surgeon Herbert Forrest bank cashier and Edward Forrest dental surgeon. Effects £3801 3s. 10d.