Forrester, Michael

Date of birth:: August 31st, 1917
Date of death:: October 2006
Service number:: 69349
Nationality:: British

Biography

Michael Forrester was born on 31st Aug 1917, educated at Hailebury and was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion Queen's Royal Regiment in 1938. His first service overseas was in Palestine where the battalion was active in dealing with the Arab Revolt. He won his first of many bravery awards, the MC, for leading his platoon into an Arab village, during which he was wounded.
When War broke out His second MC was won in Crete where he led a charge of Greek soldiers and civilians. At El Alamein he was a brigade major and was mentioned in despatches. He was promoted to commanding officer of the 1/6th Battalion Queen's at the age of 26 and led them in the Salerno landing and breakout from the beachhead as part of the 7th Aroured Division. He won the DSO at Scafati bridge over the river Sarno, capturing and holding it against attack from the Herman Goering Division.

The division was returned to the UK for the invasion of Normandy and they arrived soon after D-Day to be heavily engaged at Villers Bocage where Forrester won the DSO for a second time. He was wounded soon after that and did not fight again in the war.

After the war he held staff appointments and became commanding officer of the 3rd Battalion Parachute regiment, then he commanded 16th Parachute Brigade. In 1960 he was awarded the MBE and in 1963 the CBE. After attending Imperial Defence College he became GOC 4th Division in Germany, then Director of Infantry and Colonel of The Queen's Division. In 1969 he was appointed to the Order of the Bath as CB. He died in October 2006 having lived out his retirement at Alton.

Promotions:
31 August, 1938: Second Lieutenant
1 January, 1941: Lieutenant
1 July, 1946: Captain
31 August, 1951: Major
1 July, 1955: Lieutenant-Colonel
14 October, 1965: Temporary Major-General

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Military Cross (MC)

Rank:: Second-Lieutenant
Unit:: 2nd Battalion Queen's Royal Regiment, Palestine Command, British Army
Awarded on:: July 14th, 1939

Citation:
"During the attack on ABU SALAMI on 23rd May, 1939, Second Lieutenant FORRESTER led his platoon with the greatest gallantry. He was wounded in the chest but continued to command his platoon until brought to the dressing station at Battalion Headquarters some time later by the Medical Officer.

Even then when firing commenced round Battalion Headquarters he ran out of the dressing station seized a rifle and wanted to lead out a party of men from Battalion Headquarters until I gave him a direct order to go and lie down.

This is not the first occasion on which Second Lieutenant FORRESTER has distinguished himself. In every operation he has been conspicuous for his leadership, coolness and disregard of personal safety."

Military Cross (MC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Captain
Unit:: GSO3, Headquarters, Force HQ Greece (W Force), British Army
Awarded on:: December 30th, 1941

Citation:
"Throughout difficult periods, both during the withdrawal from Greece and during the defence of Crete, this officer continually gave proof of the highest sense of loyalty and devotion to duty. Finally, on May 20th, when the German attack on Crete had started, he was ordered to report to Headquarters New Zealand Division and to watch the interests of the Greek Battalions under command of that Division. During the next few days, when the situation became difficult, on his own initiative, he went forward and rallied the remnants of a Greek battalion. He then organized a counter attack and, mainly by his personal example and disregard for danger, he carried forward the Greek troops with him, drove back the enemy, and momentarily restored a difficult situation."

Second MC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first MC.

Mentioned in Dispatches

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Captain
Unit:: Headquarters, 132nd Infantry Brigade, 44th (Home Counties) Infantry Division, British Army
Awarded on:: December 15th, 1942

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:: 1/6 Battalion Queen's Royal Regiment, 131st Infantry Brigade, 7th Armoured Division, British Army
Awarded on:: January 13th, 1944

Recommendation:
"The 1/6 Bn. Queen's Royal Regiment commanded by Lt-Col. M. FORRESTER, M.O. passed through the VIETRI PASS and moved on via SCAFATI - S. GIUSEPPE to VESUVIANO.
Lt-Col. Forrester led his Battalion with quite exceptional dash and determination, and most skilfully. As a result the bridge at SCAFATI was secured intact, and determined counter attacks were beaten off during the first night.
The following day the village was cleared of enemy and further progress made. Finally on 30 Sep. and 1 Oct.42 really rapid progress was made against great difficulties of country and demolitions and very determined opposition.
At all times Col.FORRESTER was to the front.
Directing, encouraging, and by his personal endeavours making success assured. I, personally, have not seen a better run battle, or one which was so influenced by the personality of one man."

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:: 1/6 Battalion Queen's Royal Regiment, 131st Infantry Brigade, 7th Armoured Division, British Army
Awarded on:: August 31st, 1944

Citation:
"At Briquessard on 16th and 17th June 44 1/6 Bn Queen's Royal Regiment commanded by LT-COL FORRESTER was subjected to two very heavy attacks by Panzer-Grenadiers. Throughout these engagements COL FORRESTER displayed outstanding courage and coolness, and at no time, was he at a loss in dealing with very difficult situations that arose.
At one critical period the Bn H.Q. was in great danger of being over-run, and the enemy actually penetrated the area. In spite of the confusion caused by this under small arms fire COL. FORRESTER calmly proceeded to withdraw his H.Q. without loss, continually moving out amongst the men, and never for a moment loosing his control of the main battle.
Shortly afterwards, when the situation had been restored, the H.Q. returned to it's original area.
Throughout the entire engagement, although extremely tired, COL FORRESTER's conduct was an inspiration to his men, and there is no doubt that it was largely due to his extra-ordinary courage and cool judgement that those strong situations were beaten off, and heavy casulatie inflicted on the enemy."

Second DSO awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DSO.

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Rank:: Temporary Colonel
Unit:: 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment
Awarded on:: June 11th, 1960

UK and Norway
January 1959-December 1959
Lately Co-ordinating officer for Infantry Battalion aspects of the Infantry Brigade Group Mobility Trials, and Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment

Citation:
"During 1959 Lieutenant Colonel FORRESTER, in addition to the normal and arduous duties of commanding his Parachute Battalion, was given the task of co-ordinating the Infantry Battalion aspects of the Infantry Brigade Group Mobility Trials for the three Battalions of the Brigade, one of which was Battalion of the Brigade if Guards.

This involved a considerable volume of work over the year beyond that required in the normal course of duty and by his tact, ability and powers of organisation, he welded the three battalion's views, which were quite often in conflict, into a sound organisation. His report was most detailed and clearly set out and included a rewrite of the complete G 1098 scales of an Infanrty Battalion.

In spite of his heavy commitment he has maintained a very highly trained and administered Parachute Battalion which in every respect is at a high state of readiness for war. Neither of these requirements could have been met if had not been for his outstanding ability and devotion to duty."

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Brigadier
Unit:: 16th Parachute Brigade Group
Awarded on:: June 8th, 1963

Citation:
"Brigadier FORRESTER has commanded the 16th Parachute Brigade Group with great success since the 21st December, 1961.

He is a dedicated professional officer, who sets a fine example of the highest personal and military standards.

His task, in command of 16th Parachute Brigade Group, entails work and responsibilities far greater than are normally required of a Brigadier. It includes the operational planning for many eventualities world-wide, the organisation of major training excercises both in the United Kingdom and overseas, the maintenance of his spearhead Brigade in the highest state of training and readiness at all times, and the closest co-operation with the Royal Air Force in all these activities.

He has carried out all these duties with ? success. His Brigade Group has achieved a high degree of operational efficiency. His direction of training has been forceful, progessive and imaginative. His requirement of the highest standards of administrative efficiency is reflected throughout the Brigade Group. His leadership has inbued the troups with as excellent morals.

This officer's devotion to duty, personal example and acceptance of unusual responsabilities throughly deserve recognition."

Companion of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB, Military Division)

Rank:: Major-General
Unit:: The Queen's Division of Infantry
Awarded on:: January 1st, 1969