
| Regimental number | 4/400 |
| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Wellington |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Occupation | Amalgamator |
| Address | 26 Cotterville Terrace, Wellington |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 23 |
| Height | 5' 11" |
| Weight | 147 lbs |
| Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Thomas Forsyth, 26 Cotterville Terrace, Wellington |
| Previous military service | Served for 4 years in Field Engineers; resigned on leaving New Zealand; not serving in any military unit at time of NZEF enlistment. |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Wellington |
| Rank on embarkation | Sapper |
| Enlistment status | Volunteer |
| Unit name | New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, New Zealand Field Engineers |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Wellington on board Maunganui on |
| Final rank | Sergeant |
| Final unit | No 3 Field Company, New Zealand Engineers |
| Fate | Killed in Action |
| Age at death from cemetery records | 27 |
| Place of burial | Adanac 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: |
| 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 details | Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Field Engineers/Main Body |
| Sources | Archives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805, File 23523699 |
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The NZEF Project, UNSW@ADFA, 2003-2026
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