Shoeing Smith Sergeant John James Foster
John James Foster was born on 7 June 1888 at Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh, the second of ten children of blacksmith William Foster and his wife Sarah Isabella (nee Steen). He grew up at Lisbellaw, following his father in the blacksmithing trade.
Foster enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 14 and 24 April 1913 (No.836 – later Corps of Hussars No.71125). He embarked for France with A Squadron on 17 August 1914, seeing action on the retreat from Mons and advance to the Aisne.
Foster remained with the regiment throughout the war. On 15 March 1919 he was transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.
Two of Foster's brothers also served during the war – Thomas Foster in the North Irish Horse, and William Foster in the 11th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. William was discharged on 3 October 1916 due to his wounds.
Images from the Belfast Evening Telegraph, kindly provided by Nigel Henderson, Researcher at History Hub Ulster (www.greatwarbelfastclippings.com).