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Forster, Basil Robert William

Service number:
904019 (NCO)/124611 (Officer)
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Wing Commander Basil Forster who served with the Royal Air Force during the Second War as a Wellington and Lancaster Pilot, initially served with No. 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron with which he flew in 32 operational sorties with the squadron
Having completed a Flying Instructors Course he was posted to No. 21 O.T.U., Moreton, October 1941. Whilst based here he flew Wellingtons in the first 'Thousand Bomber Raids' on Cologne, 30/31.5.1942 and on Essen 1/2.6.1942; after converting to Lancasters he returned to operational flying with 195 Squadron (Lancasters), Witchford, November 1944. He flew 15 operational sorties with the squadron before flying food supplies to liberated Holland and as part of Operation Exodus (the repatriation of POWs).
Forster was appointed to Command 90 Squadron in May 1946, posted to Air H.Q. Malta in October 1953 and finally appointed Wing Commander, Directorate of Organization in July 1956.
He retired in 1960.

Promotions:
Flight Sergeant
19 May, 1942: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)
19 November, 1942: Flying Officer on Probation (war sub)
23 April, 1944: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
9 May, 1947: Flight Lieutenant
1 July, 1950: Squadron Leader
1 July, 1956: Wing Commander

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Squadron Leader
Unit:
No. 195 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
May 22nd, 1945
Recommendation:
"'S/Ldr Forster has successfully completed 40 operational bombing sorties as a heavy bomber pilot, the majority of which have been against heavily defended German targets.
Before being posted to 195 Squadron he had successfully completed 34 operational bombing sorties, all of which were by night and many against targets of very deep penetration into Germany.
Since commencing his second tour of operations this Officer has set a magnificent example to the Flight which he commands, and consistently displays leadership in the air and on the ground. His quiet and efficient manner and personal example has been a great inspiration to Captains in the Squadron and his flight leadership has been outstanding.'

Covering Remarks of Station Commander: 'As a Flight Commander and on occasions when deputising for his Squadron Commander S/Ldr Forster has shown outstanding qualities of leadership and personal efficiency. This recommendation is very strongly supported."
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Rank:
Squadron Leader
Awarded on:
June 10th, 1954
Air Force Cross (AFC)
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Rank:
Squadron Leader
Awarded on:
May 31st, 1956
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With "FRANCE AND GERMANY" clasp.
Air Crew Europe Star

Sources

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