Memorial Plaque for William Forshaw VC

Transcript

Plaque honours lieutenant’s bravery in World War One

By Richard Catton

A MEMORIAL plaque honouring a war hero who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery was unveiled in Holyport on Sunday.

The dedication ceremony was the culmination of months of planning and fundraising and coincided with the 90th anniversary of the action in World War One, which saw Lieutenant William Forshaw awarded the military’s highest award for valour.

Lieutenant (Acting Captain) Forshaw and the men in his command successfully defended their position at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli, for 41 hours against Turkish soldiers.

At one point in the battle Lt Forshaw and his men were reduced to throwing bombs made from jam tins.

The vicar of Bray, the Rev George Redpath, conducted the ceremony at the former home of Lt Forshaw, who went on to become a major.

Roy Johnson, 52, of Pymm and Hooper funeral services, was one of those who helped organise and raise funds. He said: “This is wonderful, William Forshaw was in the same regiment as my father. There were too many links for me not to help.”

Terry Nicolson, a volunteer with Berkshire War Memorials Trust who organised the event, thanked all those who donated time and money to the project.

He added: “We would still welcome any donations towards the funding of the plaque.”

The plaque itself, which was also in honour of Lt Forshaw’s wife, Sadie, for her work on hospital ships in the Middle East, was created by Neil Johnson, of Lamb and Co Stone Masons.

Mr Johnson said: “We have worked on other VC memorials and it is always a pleasure considering what people went through to earn them.”

Current homeowners Julian and Sheelagh Evans were represented by their son Dominic, who noted they were unaware of the home’s history upon moving in but were proud to have the commemorative plaque installed, emphasising the importance of remembering wartime sacrifices.

Images

Curator's Notes

Thanks to Derek Hunt for the images.

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