Major Derek G Foster

Born 19 March 1907, in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire. He was granted a Commission, as a Second Lieutenant, in the Royal Army Service Corps, on the 14 September 1942. Derek joined 253 Airborne Division Composite Company, RASC on the 29 December 1942.

From War Diary: 20 April 1943.

Place: Bulford, WILTS.

2/Lt. DG Foster to attend Supply Officers Course at Southend On Sea.

From War Diary: 20 July 1943

Place: Sousse Area, North Africa.

1945 hrs.  Capt  Foster to CRASC interview.

From War Diary: 25 July 1943

Place: Sousse Area, North Africa.

Capt. DG Foster proceeds on Short Parachute Jumping Course.

Unit: 253 Airborne Division Composite Company, RASC.          Week ending: 4 Sept 1943.

Part B – Particulars of Officers joined or quitted during week, 04/09/43.

A/Capt. Foster DG RASC. 30 August 1943. Posting to HQ 2 Para Bde to fill appointment as BRASCO.

Capt DG Foster remains with the 2nd Parachute Brigade Headquarters as BRASCO until the 5 November 1943, when he is replaced by Capt J Sibbald, RASC.

NOTE: No War Diary for the 2nd Para Bde HQ for November 1943 can be located.

PRO FORMA I – PART I.

Unit: 250 Airborne Light Comp Coy RASC.                  Week ending: March 18, 1944.

NOMINAL ROLL OF OFFICERS POSTED TO HOME DETAILS.

244442. Lt. Foster. D.G. RASC. Permanent Disability. Med Category ‘B’, attached to RAF Station, KEEVIL, Trowbridge, WILTS.

Michael, his son recalls:

"My father was a cricketer in the late 1920s/early 30s. A fast bowler, playing for Warwickshire, Gentlemen v Players etc. He tore the cartilages out of his knees, sadly. He used to go up and down stairs on his bottom, one step at a time. He also used to go to bed every night at dead on 7.30pm and wake up at 3.30am, bringing my poor mother a cup of tea. She was not amused."

Derek sadly died 13 October 1980, at Chipping Camden, Gloucestershire.

See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Foster_(cricketer)