FORREST, Thomas

Thomas Forrest was the son of Edward and Rosanna Forrest of 32 Hill Street, Wollescote. He worked at Hickmans Colliery and was a member of the Hayes Lane Primitive Methodist Chapel. He enlisted in the Warwicks in May 1916 but, probably after injury, was transferred to the 8th Battalion of the East Surreys in the 18th Division. They prepared for the Third Battle of Ypres by carrying huge amounts of material to the front line near Sanctuary Wood. German shelling was often intense and in the three weeks before the battle started casualties were taken. They included Private Thomas Forrest who was killed on the 18th July. A letter from his platoon Sergeant to his parents commented on his 'good Christian life' and ended, 'May the true reflection of his Christian character inspire you in the years to come' He was 24 years of age and is buried in Ypres Reservoir Cemetery (VIII C 9) and commemorated on the Lye and Wollescote and Lye church Memorials.