Lieutenant-Colonel Claude Seymour Foster
Claude Seymour Foster was born on 27 June 1880 in London's Camberwell district, son of Harry Seymour Foster, JP and DL for the County of Suffolk, and his wife Amy Foster (nee Sparks).
He served in the Boer War as a trooper (No.13137) in the 52nd Company, 19th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry (Paget's Horse).
On 15 October 1902 he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the 3rd (King's Own) Hussars. On 15 January 1905 he transferred to the 37th Lancers (Baluch Horse) in the Indian Army, being promoted to lieutenant at the same time. He reached the rank of captain on 15 October 1911.
Foster returned from India on the outbreak of war and was attached as adjutant to the 9th Reserve Regiment of Cavalry.
When the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment was formed in June 1916 from C and F Squadrons and the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron, a regimental headquarters of forty officers and men was sent from England. A number were drawn from the 9th Reserve Regiment of Cavalry, including its commanding officer, second in command, and adjutant, the last of these being Captain Foster.
Foster is mentioned a number of times in the war diary of the 2nd NIH Regiment. From 28 August to 20 October 1916 he was attached to the 91st Infantry Brigade, and on 24 November was promoted to temporary major while he commanded the newly-established X Corps Cavalry School.
On 9 March 1917 Foster left the North Irish Horse for a posting as Staff Captain with headquarters of the 70th Infantry Brigade. He was promoted to major on 15 October 1917, and on 13 August 1919 was appointed General Staff Officer, 2nd Grade.
After the war Foster returned to India and rejoined his regiment, the 37th Lancers. He was promoted to lieutenant-colonel on 15 October 1928, and retired from the Indian Army on 1 September 1932.
He died on 9 May 1961 at Shenley House Farm, Heath and Reach, Bedfordshire.