Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Solomon Foister an ironstone foreman, born 1859 in Goadby Marwood, Leicestershire and his wife Fanny Foister (nee Eyles, married on the 22nd December 1883 in St. Paul’s Church, Leicester), born 1858 in Leicester. In the 2nd quarter of 1895 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district, Cecil’s mother died aged 37, she was interred in Goadby Marwood on the 20th June 1895. In the 2nd quarter of 1897 Cecil’s father married Hannah Foster in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district, Hannah was born 1861 in Treswell, Nottinghamshire. Cecil Thomas was born in the 2nd quarter of 1894 in Goadby Marwood and baptised on the 20th March 1894 in Goadby Marwood Parish Church, his siblings were, Sydney Ernest an ironstone labourer, born 1884 and Elsie Maud, born 1896, baptised on the 26th July 1896 in the Parish Church, Goadby Marwood, his half blood siblings were Frederick William, born 1898 and Percy Horace, born 1900, all his siblings were born in Goadby Marwood, in March 1901 the family home was at Goadby Marwood. In April 1911 Cecil was employed as an ironstone labourer and was residing in the family home at Goadby Marwood, together with his father, and ironstone foreman, his step mother and sibling, Elsie, and half blood siblings, Frederick, a schoolboy, Percy, a schoolboy and Albert Edward, a schoolboy, born 1903 in Goadby Marwood. Cecil also had an elder sibling, Christian Florence, born 24th December 1886 in Goadby Marwood, baptised 23rd January 1887 in the Parish Church Goadby Marwood.
Cecil attested into the Army Reserve (Special Reservist’s) to serve an engagement of 3 years on the 2nd September 1914 in Melton Mowbray. He gave his place of birth as Goadby Marwood, Melton, Leicestershire, his age as 20 years 206 days and his trade or calling as labourer. He gave his home address as Goadby Marwood and confirmed that he was unmarried. He gave his father, Thomas Foister of Goadby Marwood, Melton Mowbray, his brother Sidney Foister of 5, Aldergate, Tamworth and his sister Christian Foister of Canada as his next of kin. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 6½ inches in height, weighed 135 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 34 and 35½ inches. His complexion was described as fresh, his hair colour was brown and he had grey eyes. He gave his religion as Church of England. He was pronounced fit for the Army Reserve on the 2nd September 1914 in Melton Mowbray. His record of service began when he joined the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment as a Private, service number 12941 on the 5/9/14. Posted to the 8th (Service) Battalion Leicestershire Regiment at Aldershot on the 24/9/14. Appointed unpaid Lance Corporal on the 7/1/17. Appointed paid Lance Corporal on the 29/1/17. Appointed acting Corporal on the 21/4/17. A summary of his service records: Home Service, 2/9/14 – 28/7/15, 330 days. British Expeditionary Force, France, 29/7/15 - 3/5/17, 1 year 279 days. Total service 2 years 244 days. Cecil was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. The following information was provided by Cecil’s father Thomas Solomon Foister on the 30th June 1919, and was witnessed and signed by Rev. W. B. Dalby, Clerk in Holy Orders, The Rectory, Goadby Marwood, Melton Mowbray on ARMY FORM W. 5080 (Information on deceased soldier’s family) Father of soldier, Thomas Solomon Foister of Goadby Marwood, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Mother of soldier, Fanny Foister (Deceased). Full blood brother of solder, Sydney Ernest Foister, age 35 of 5, Aldergate, Tamworth. Half blood brothers of soldier, Frederick William Foister, age 26 of Goadby Marwood, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Percy Horace Foister, age 20 of Goadby Marwood, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Albert Edward Foister, age 17 of Goadby Marwood, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Full blood sisters of soldier, Elsie Maud Foister, age 23 of c/o Mrs. Evans, Synton, Guildford Road, Leicester. Cecil’s surviving service documents are in poor condition, and much of the finer detail relating to the period of time that he spent in the Army, is either illegible or missing, hence the sparse overall description of his military and personal family history.
The War Diary records: 3 May-17 - BOYELLES. The attack on the village of FONTAINE-LES-CROISILLES was made on this day. There were three objectives, 1st SENSEE RIVER from approximately T.18.b.5.3 to U.2.b.5.5 2nd junction of SENSEE RIVER and SUNKEN ROAD at T.18.b.5.3 – U.7.c.6.5 – U.7.d.7.8 – U.14.a.7.2 – U.4.c.4.3. The 64th Infantry Brigade to bomb south eastwards down HINDENBURG LINE. Two tanks were attached to the 110th Infantry Brigade. Zero hour was at 3.45 am (summer time) and the attack started under a creeping barrage. The Battalion was disposed in two waves of two lines each, with a wave of moppers up behind. From right to left “A” Company (Lieutenant J. R. GLOVER) “B” Company (Captain A. G. ASTLE) “C” Company (Major T. L. WARNER) formed the line of attack each Company having a two platoon frontage. “D” Company (2nd Lieutenant J. W. CORBETT) was drawn up in two lines, 60 yards in rear. The formation was two waves, each of two lines 10 yards between lines and 60 yards between waves with “D” Company as moppers up. The 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT attached on the left of the Battalion. On the right, the flank was secured by the possession of the HINDENBURG LINE as far as the BLOCK, beyond this the flank was to be secured by the 64th Infantry Brigade. Bombing attack down the line. The morning was very dark, sunrise was not until 5.23 am (summer time), the dust and smoke from our own barrage and that of the enemy which opened almost simultaneously, making it impossible to see more than a few yards ahead. Direction was lost rather early and the line swung over to the right, being compelled thereto by the 18th Division on the left, crossing the front of the 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT and pressing then to the right. By 6.00 am it became evident that the attack had failed. No progress had been made by the 64th Infantry Brigade bombers in the HINDENBURG LINE, and the front of the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT was outflanked, in parts surrounded, and with a prospect of being cut off. The left flank (“C” Company) had been held up by excessive machine gun fire and took up a position in the sunken road running into FONTAINE-LES-CROISILLES through U.1.b. The remainder of the Battalion were on a line roughly 300 yards South of the jumping off place BROWN TRENCH T.6.a., N.36.c and d to road in O.31.c. Here the Battalion remained and at about 11.30 am, it was reinforced by the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. This line was held throughout the day and consolidated. No assistance was given by the two Tanks during the attack, both of them breaking down. The following casualties were suffered by the Battalion during the action, Officers. Captain A. G. ASTLE and 2nd Lieutenant F. E. PRATLEY killed, Major T. L. WARNER, 2nd Lieutenant G. B. JOHNSON, 2nd Lieutenant R. J. HARRIS, 2nd Lieutenant R. L. SENNETT and 2nd Lieutenant P. H. HILL wounded, Lieutenant F. R. OLIVER missing believed wounded and Prisoner of War, 2nd Lieutenant F. W. H. CLARKE wounded and Prisoner of War, 2nd Lieutenant’s F. B. PITTS and W. HARRIS Prisoners of War. Other ranks. Killed 19, wounded 101, missing 168, died of wounds 3. Total 11 officers, 291 other ranks.
On Friday May 18th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “GOADBY SOLDIER MISSING” – CORPORAL C. T. FOISTER.- Mr T. S. Foister, of Goadby Marwood has been informed that his son, Corpl. C. T. Foister, of the Leicester’s, is missing after a recent big battle on the western front. He enlisted in August 1914, and has been in France since July last year. The news was conveyed to his father in the following letter:- “France May 8th 1917, Dear Mr Foister – It is with deep regret I have to write to tell you of your son’s misfortune. He is reported missing, and we have every reason to believe he is a prisoner of war. We had just taken part in the biggest battle of history, and although we had a big task in front of us we went forward in the best of spirits. Through a little mishap on our flanks we lost connection, and about 200 got cut off. The German’s, making a counter attack, completely overpowered them. They fought with splendid pluck to get back but it was impossible, and we hardly know who are prisoners, or killed, so we have to report him missing. But I do sincerely hope you hear from him as a prisoner. I am deeply sorry to lose him. He was an excellent N.C.O. and was liked by everybody. He could always be trusted, and did most of our patrol work with great coolness and several times brought back valuable information. I regret to say it is the first time this battalion has failed to do what has been put before them but I am convinced it is the strongest point along this line. I am glad to say your son was recommended for some distinction for his coolness, and valuable information he went and got under a terrific bombardment about a week or two ago, and I hope it comes through all right. Well I sincerely hope you hear something soon, and if we should hear any more I will let you know. Yours Sincerely, F. Walker, Company Sergeant Major.” Cecil was cut off with 200 others and was initially reported as missing or taken Prisoner of War during the Battle of Bullecourt.
On Friday June 15th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS” – GOADBY MARWOOD. CORPORAL FOISTER KILLED.- Mr Thos. Foister of this village, has received official notification that his son, Corpl. C. F. Foster, was killed in action on May 3rd, whilst leading his platoon, at a place in France, not mentioned. Corpl. Foister enlisted at the outbreak of war in 1914, and has been on active service in France since July 1915. He has two brothers in the army, Sergt. F. W. Foister, being in the 5th Leicester’s, and Gunner S. E. Foister. He was employed at the Holwell Iron Co’s quarries at Eaton where his father has been foreman for a number of years. The greatest sympathy is extended to his parents in the loss they have sustained.
On Friday May 3rd 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. – FOISTER. – In affectionate remembrance of Corpl. C. T. Foister, killed in action, France, May 3rd, 1917.
Cherished memories, from Dad, Mam, Percy, Albert, Elsie, also Sydney and Fred in France.
Goadby Marwood.