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Auction: 14001 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 72

A Good 'Military Division' M.B.E., Second War '1945' D.F.C., '1954' A.F.C. Group of Seven to Wellington and Lancaster Pilot, Squadron Leader, Later Wing Commander, B.R.W. Forster, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Who Flew in At Least 49 Operational Sorties, Including Volunteering For the First 'Thousand Bomber Raids' to Cologne and Essen
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver
b) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1945'
c) Air Force Cross, E.II.R., reverse officially dated '1954'
d) 1939-1945 Star
e) Air Crew Europe Star, with France and Germany bar
f) Defence and War Medals, generally very fine, with R.A.F. Pilot's Flying Log Book (12.7.1940-9.8.1946) (7)

M.B.E. London Gazette 31.5.1956 Squadron Leader Basil Robert William Forster, D.F.C., A.F.C. (124611) R.A.F.

D.F.C. London Gazette 22.5.1945 Squadron Leader Basil Robert William Forster (124611), R.A.F.V.R., 195 Squadron
The Recommendation states: 'S/Ldr Forster has successfully completed 40 operational bombing sorties as a heavy bomber pilot, the majority of which have been against heavily defended German targets.
Before being posted to 195 Squadron he had successfully completed 34 operational bombing sorties, all of which were by night and many against targets of very deep penetration into Germany.
Since commencing his second tour of operations this Officer has set a magnificent example to the Flight which he commands, and consistently displays leadership in the air and on the ground. His quiet and efficient manner and personal example has been a great inspiration to Captains in the Squadron and his flight leadership has been outstanding.'

Covering Remarks of Station Commander: 'As a Flight Commander and on occasions when deputising for his Squadron Commander S/Ldr Forster has shown outstanding qualities of leadership and personal efficiency. This recommendation is very strongly supported.'

A.F.C. London Gazette 10.6.1954 Squadron Leader Basil Robert William Forster, D.F.C. (124611), R.A.F.

Wing Commander Basil Robert William Forster, M.B.E., D.F.C., A.F.C., served with the Royal Air Force during the Second War; posted as an LAC for Pilot training to No.11 E.F.T.S., Perth, July 1940; he carried out his first 'Solo' in a D.H.82, 22.7.1940; he undertook further training at No.3 F.T.S. before being posted to No.15 O.T.U., Harwell for conversion to Wellingtons, December 1940; posted for operational flying to 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron (Wellingtons), Marham, February 1941; he flew in 32 operational sorties with the squadron, including: Bremen (5); Emden; Kiel (3); Brest (5), including 22.4.1941, 'Baled Out - No Petrol' (Log Book refers); Cologne (3); Boulogne (2); Munstel (2); Osnabruck; Duisburg (2); Mannheim (4); Hamburg; Munchen Gladbach, and Hanover; after completing his first tour of operations he was posted to C.F.S. Upavon, September 1941; having completed a Flying Instructors Course he was posted to No. 21 O.T.U., Moreton, October 1941; whilst based here he flew Wellingtons in the first 'Thousand Bomber Raids' on Cologne, 30/31.5.1942 and on Essen 1/2.6.1942; after converting to Lancasters he returned to operational flying with 195 Squadron (Lancasters), Witchford, November 1944; he flew 15 operational sorties (several as Group Leader and Base Leader) with the squadron, including: Heinzburg; Hamburg; Duisburg; Witten; St. Vith; Castrop-Rauxel; Munchen Gladbach; Dortmund; Dresden; Wesel (2); Gelsenkirchen; Cologne; Wanne Eickel, and Heligoland before flying food supplies to liberated Holland, 3.5.1945, and as part of Operation Exodus (the repatriation of POWs), 10.5.1945; posted 90 Squadron (Lancasters), Tuddenham, August 1945; Forster was appointed to Command 90 Squadron, May 1946; Squadron Leader 1.7.1950; posted to Air H.Q. Malta, October 1953; appointed Wing Commander, Directorate of Organization, July 1956; retired 1960.


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