Aircraft Mechanic 1 Arthur Hurrell Forster
Royal Air Force (ex-RNAS)

Arthur (Art) Hurrell Forster was born 2nd August 1887 in St Peter Port, Guernsey, the eldest son of Arthur Hurrell Forster, a fruit grower, and Mary Ann Lock.

He joined the Royal Navy on 2nd August 1905 (his 18th birthday) as a Switch Board Boy, progressing through Ordinary to Able Seaman. He undertook Shore Purchase in November 1911, joining the Royal Fleet Reserve.
He was mobilised on the outbreak of WW1, serving in submarine depot ships of the Mediterranean Fleet.

In July 1915 his discharge from the submarine service was approved to enable him to join the Royal Naval Air Service (R.N.A.S.). From 1st April 1918 this was amalgamated with the Army's Royal Flying Corps to become the Royal Air Force. He continued in the RAF until 22nd March 1920.

After a short interlude during which he was employed as an Engineer Fitter at the Ardmillan Coach & Motor Works in Edinburgh he re-joined the RAF for 4 years with Service No. 351627 on 15th March 1922 as a Fitter Driver Petrol Group 1 and was immediately promoted to Corporal and then to acting Sergeant. After further period of service in the UK and Iraq, he was discharged on 13th March 1926.

He married Doris May, daughter of William Edwin Burkett and Rosina Page, on 29th August 1922 and they had 3 daughters. He died in Blackpool on 21st May 1967 aged 80.