Samuel FORSYTH

Regimental number4/400
Date of birth3 April 1891
Place of birthWellington
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationAmalgamator
Address26 Cotterville Terrace, Wellington
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Height5' 11"
Weight147 lbs
Next of kinMother, Mrs Thomas Forsyth, 26 Cotterville Terrace, Wellington
Previous military serviceServed for 4 years in Field Engineers; resigned on leaving New Zealand; not serving in any military unit at time of NZEF enlistment.
Enlistment date13 August 1914
Place of enlistmentWellington
Rank on embarkationSapper
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, New Zealand Field Engineers
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on board Maunganui on 16 October 1914
Final rankSergeant
Final unitNo 3 Field Company, New Zealand Engineers
FateKilled in Action 24 August 1918
Age at death from cemetery records27
Place of burialAdanac Military Cemetery (Plot I, Row I, Grave No 39), Miraumont, France
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Commmemorated in Karori Cemetery, Wellington ('He loved honour more than he feared death.') Parents: Mr & Mrs Thomas Forsyth, Wellington; Wife: Mary S. Forsyth, 79, John Knox Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Medals

Victoria Cross

'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. On nearing the objective, his company came under heavy machine-gun fire. Through Serjt. Forsyth's dashing leadership and total disregard of danger, three machine-gun positions were rushed and the crews taken prisoner before they could inflict many casualties on our troops. During subsequent advance his company came under heavy fire from several machine guns, two of which he located by a daring reconnaissance. In his endeavour to gain support from a Tank, he was wounded, but after having the wound bandaged, he again got in touch with the Tank, which in the face of very heavy fire from machine guns and anti-Tank guns, he endeavoured to lead with magnificent coolness to a favourable position. The Tank, however, was put out of action. Serjt. Forsyth then organised the Tank crew and several of his men into a section, and led them to a position where the machine guns could be outflanked. Always under heavy fire, he directed them into positions which brought about a retirement of the enemy machine guns and enabled the advance to continue. This gallant N.C.O. was at that moment killed by a sniper. From the commencement of the attack until the time of his death Serjt. Forsyth's courage and coolness, combined with great power of initiative proved an invaluable incentive to all who were with him and he undoubtedly saved many casualties among his comrades.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 18 October 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Embarked Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Gallipoli, 9 May 1915.

Admitted to hospital ship, 4 July 1915 (chest trouble); transferred to EA Hospital, Pont de Koubbeh, Cairo, 7 July 1915 (influenza).

Wounded in action (slightly), Anzac, 28 August 1915; remained at duty.

Admitted to NZ Field Ambulance, Sarpi, Mudros, 6 November 1915 (jaundice); transferred to No 2 Australian Stationary Hospital, Lemnos, 6 November 1915; to England, 25 November 1915, and admitted to 1st Southern General Hospital, Birmingham, 5 December 1915.

Attached on strength, NZ Convalescent Hospital, Hornchurch, 14 January 1916; transferred to No 2 NZ General Hospital, Walton-on-Thames, 23 February 1916.

Proceeded overseas to France, 14 April 1916.

Rejoined No 3 Field Company Engineers, Armentieres, 8 August 1916.

Appointed Acting Lance Corporal, 24 December 1916.

Appointed Lance Corporal, 24 December 1916.

Promoted 2nd Corporal, 17 August 1917.

On leave, 12 September 1917; rejoined unit from leave, 23 September 1917.

Promoted Corporal, 12 November 1917.

Promoted Sergeant, 12 May 1918.

Killed in action, 24 August 1918.

Medals: Victoria Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: Field Engineers/Main Body
SourcesArchives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805, File 23523699

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