Sergeant Thomas Foster
Thomas Foster was born on 3 December 1893 at Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh, the fifth of ten children of blacksmith William Foster and his wife Sarah Isabella (nee Steen). He grew up at Lisbellaw, following his father in the blacksmithing trade.
Foster enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 28 June and 29 July 1912 (No.717). He embarked for France with D Squadron on 1 May 1915. He remained with the regiment until June 1918, when he transferred to the Machine Gun Corps (No.149718).
On 4 March 1919 he was transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve. He then re-enlisted in the Machine Gun Corps for twelve months, being discharged on 31 March 1920.
After the war Foster returned to his blacksmithing trade at Lisbellaw. On 10 July 1920 he married farmer's daughter Annie Elizabeth Beacom at Willowfield Church, County Down. He died at Erne Hospital, Enniskillen, on 20 December 1967.
Two of Foster's brothers also served during the war – John James Foster in the North Irish Horse, and William Foster in the 11th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. William was discharged on 3 October 1916 due to his wounds.
Image from the Belfast Evening Telegraph, kindly provided by Nigel Henderson, Researcher at History Hub Ulster (www.greatwarbelfastclippings.com).