251301 Pte. Andrew Gerard Forson British Army 14th tBn Scottish London Regiment from:96 Pepys Road, New Cross, London (d.7 Nov 1918) Andrew Forson was born at 16 Newhall Terrace, Glasgow. He was the second child of John Mathieson Forson and Maggie Parlane Granger. He had an elder sister Janet Margaret and two younger brothers, George Alan Granger and Ian Leslie. From an early age Andrew was known by his second name Gerard.
In 1904 the family moved to Liverpool initially to 23 Belmont Drive and later to 5 Radnor Place, both in Newsham Park, Liverpool. Gerard's father was minister at Crescent Chapel. From about 1909-1912 Gerard attended Holt High School, Queens Drive, Childwall, Merseyside (now Childwall Comprehensive School). Gerard's name is included on the school Roll of Honour.
In 1913 the family moved to 96 Pepys Road, New Cross, London where Gerard's father was minister at Marlborough Chapel, Old Kent Road (the chapel was destroyed by bombing in April 1943 but a plaque honouring Gerard was rescued and is in the possession of his nephew). From 1912 to 1915 Gerard went to Caterham School, Surrey - a school for the sons of Congregational Ministers (his name is on the School Roll of Honour). Gerard was a scout and a member of the Caterham School and Marlborough (Old Kent Road, London) scout troops. He also a member of the School Football team and Acrobatic team.
After leaving school in the summer of 1915 and before enlisting in the Army in November 1916, Gerard was an Assistant Stock Keeper (this was stated on his enlistment form, but it is not known who he worked for).
Gerard joined the military on 17 November 1916 (Army No. 514865) and became a private in the Army Reserve. He was mobilised on 3 February 1917 as a Private and posted to the London Regiment (Scottish Brigade).
Gerard left for France to join the BEF on 12th of February 1918 and
joined his unit on 20 February. On 23rd of August 1918 Gerard suffered gas wounds from a shell at Boulogne. He recovered and re-joined his unit on 25th October. On 6th November Gerard was wounded in action and died in No. 1 Casualty Clearing Station, Cambrai the following day. Gerard was buried in Cambrai East Military Cemetery.
Unfortunately, news of his death did not reach the family until after the end of the war. Rejoicing that the war was over sadly changed a few days later.
Gerard is also remembered in the London Scottish Regiment Book of Remembrance in Edinburgh Castle.
|