| Regimental number | 12/3218 |
| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Wellington |
| Religion | Baptist |
| Occupation | Bookbinder |
| Address | Palmerston Road, Birkenhead, Auckland |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 20 |
| Height | 5' 6.5" |
| Weight | 160 lbs |
| Next of kin | Father, J McRae Forbes, Palmerston Road, Birkenhead, Auckland |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on embarkation | 2nd Lieutenant |
| Enlistment status | Volunteer |
| Unit name | New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 8th Reinforcements, Auckland Infantry Battalion |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Wellington on board Willochra on |
| Final rank | Captain |
| Final unit | 1st Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment |
| Fate | Commenced return to New Zealand |
| Medals |
Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, on 29th September 1918, in the attack east of Ribecourt. He commanded the left front company of the battalion, and when a gap occurred between him and the troops on his left side, he filled it with his reserve platoon. Largely owing to his initiative, five 7cm guns, one 4in. howitzer, one 6in. howitzer and two naval guns were captured. After reaching his objective, he pushed forward to reconnoitre the company front as far as the Canal. His wortk throughout being most praiseworthy.'
Source: 'London Gazette' Date: |
| Discharge date | |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Western Front Wounded in action, 21 February 1917 (bayonet wound, left thigh); transferred to England, and admitted to Cambridge research Hospital, 24 February 1917; transferred to Convalescent Hospital, Brighton, 24 April 1917. Discharged on leave, 26 April 1917, to report to NZ Reserve Group, Sling Camp, 9 May 1917; qualified as instructor in grenades at Southern Command Grenade School, Lyndhurst, 4-16 June 1917. Proceeded overseas to France, 12 July 1917, rejoined Bn, in the field, 10 August 1917. Detached to NZ Wing, 2nd Anzac Reinforcements Camp, 30 September 1917; rejoined Bn from detachment, 12 November 1917. Promoted Captain, 31 October 1917. Detached to NZ Division Traffic Control, 12 November 1917. Transferred to 1st Bn, Auckland Infantry Regiment, 18 February 1918. Appointed Company Commander, 15 April 1918; relinquished command as Company Commander, 7 October 1918. Marched in to Sling Camp from France, 3 February 1919. Commenced return to New Zealand on board HMNZT 'Remuera', 17 March 1919; appointment terminated (discharged), 2 June 1919. Medals: Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal Private letter re FORBES, Colonel S.S. ALLEN to Colonel THOMS, 8 September 1919: 'A bad Officer with hardly any redeeming qualities. In 2nd Auckland during most of his service but finished with 1st Auckland. A notorious coward (though an M.C.) and bad administrator.' |
| Miscellaneous details | Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Auckland Infantry Batln/Eighth |
| Date of death | |
| Age at death | 74 |
| Place of burial | Waikumete Cemetery, Glen Eden, Euckland |
| Sources | Archives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805 |