William was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 28th November 1892, one of nine children of Charles Davison Forster (a solicitor) and Annie Mary Forster of 89, Jesmond Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and also of Burradon, Rothbury, Northumberland.
He was educated at Downside School (1904 to 1910) where he was described as having sterling qualities, and being conspicuously earnest, unselfish and self-restrained. At school he was an enthusiastic member of the Shooting Club, and secured medals in 1909 and 1910. From Downside he went to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated BA and LLB in 1913.
From there he became an articled clerk to Mr. F. H. Chance of Messrs. Coward & Hawkesley, Sons & Chance, 30 Mincing Lane, London.
He lived in Harrow, Middlesex and enlisted in the Public Schools Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers on 6th February 1916 at St. Paul's Churchyard. Later he transferred to the 8th Battalion and went to France in August 1916.
Later he transferred to the 8th Battalion and went to France in August 1916.
William died on 7th October 1916, aged 23, during fighting at Gueudecourt during the Battle of Le Transloy. He was shot through the heart, dying almost immediately. It was reported that he died with a smile on his face and a prayer on his lips. The sergeant of his platoon, who was by his side, was badly wounded at the same time.
Private, 10497, William Forster 8th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers has no known grave and is commemorated on Pier & Face 16A of the Thiepval memorial in France.
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