Service number:

904019 (NCO)/124611 (Officer)

Nationality:

British

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."

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

June 10th, 1954

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

May 31st, 1956

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "FRANCE AND GERMANY" clasp.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• - Page 3197 | Supplement 35638, 17 July 1942 | London Gazette | The Gazette
  - Page 5513 | Supplement 35827, 15 December 1942 | London Gazette | The Gazette
  - Page 2869 | Supplement 36565, 13 June 1944 | London Gazette | The Gazette
  - Page 2624 | Supplement 37088, 18 May 1945 | London Gazette | The Gazette
  - Page 3539 | Supplement 38027, 25 July 1947 | London Gazette | The Gazette
  - Page 3451 | Supplement 38960, 4 July 1950 | London Gazette | The Gazette
  - Page 3291 | Supplement 40188, 1 June 1954 | London Gazette | The Gazette
  - Page 3108 | Supplement 40787, 25 May 1956 | London Gazette | The Gazette
  - Page 3779 | Supplement 40816, 26 June 1956 | London Gazette | The Gazette
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