Alfred Lewis Foster

Alfred was born in Stamford in1898. His parents were Alfred and Melinda (nee Tinkler) Foster. His Father was a painter/paperhanger. The family lived in 3 Albert Road in 1901 and were still there in 1911. Alfred was the sixth child. He had 4 elder brothers (Frank, Harry, John, William Thomas), Louisa was his elder sister and Florence his younger sister. When he left school he was employed by the Kitson Lighting Company.
At the age of 18, on 22nd March 1915, he enlisted in Stamford into the 4th Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment. He was engaged at home in the UK until 16th March 1916. He was then posted to France until he sustained a knee injury in November of that year. This led to his transfer to the Territorial Force Reserve on 27th March 1917. He was eventually discharged as unfit. His military conduct was described as ‘very good’. He was granted a pension.
Later in 1917 he married Charlotte Hewerdine in Stamford. They had 5 children (4 daughters & 1 son) four later children were born in Bourne.

Alfred’s Brothers

Frank Foster – born 1886,  in Stamford by 1901 he was working as a Paperhanger. Military Service: enlisted 2nd May 1911 Stamford) Northants Battery RFA as Gunner (4243) Had previous service with 4th Batt. Lincolnshire Regiment Territorials. Home Service 2-5-1911 to 9-9-1914. Discharged medically unfit (osteoarthritis) 20-12-1914. Character : Good.

Harry Joseph Foster – born 1888 in Stamford, by 1911 he was working as a Compositor (Printing Industry) living in Croydon.
Enlisted 1906 Mobilised 4th August 1914 3rd London Brigade RFA (G35333) Theatre of War – France. Wounded 22nd March 1918. Demobbed 20th January 1919. Sergeant. 14/15 Star , Long Service Medal.

John Stimson Foster – born 1890 in Stamford, by 1911 he was working as a Clerk with Kitson Lighting Company.
In 1913 joined 4th Batt. Lincolnshire Regiment Territorials. (4358) and served at Home 7th June 1913 – 4th Jan 1915. Enlisted 7th June 1915 in Peterborough – Northants R.F.A. At his medical found to be unfit for continued service.

William Thomas Foster  – born 1892, by 1911 he was working as a Capstan Operator at Kitson Lighting Company
Enlisted 15th January 1911 Driver (4192) 4th East Anglia RFA Regular training . Home – 15th Jan 1911 to 16th Nov. 1915. France 19th Nov. 1915 to 23rd Jan 1916 Discharged 1st Feb. 1916 Medal 14/15 Star