Edward Foster (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Foster
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| Nickname(s) | Tiny |
| Born | 4 January 1886 Streatham, London |
| Died | 22 January 1946 (aged 60) Tooting, London |
| Buried |
Streatham Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1915 - 1918 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | 13th Battalion (Wandsworth) East Surrey Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |
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Edward Foster (born January 4, 1886 – died January 22, 1946) was a brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for courage in battle for British and Commonwealth forces.
Edward was born in Streatham, London. Before joining the army, he worked for the local council as a dustman, collecting waste. In July 1915, during World War I, he joined the 13th Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment. He went to France with his unit in June 1916.
A Heroic Act in France
In April 1917, Edward Foster was a corporal in the 13th East Surreys. He was 31 years old. During a battle at Villers-Plouich in France, his unit's advance was stopped. Two enemy machine-guns were firing from a strong position, protected by wire fences.
Corporal Foster was in charge of two Lewis guns, which were special machine guns. He bravely managed to get into the enemy trench. He started fighting the enemy guns. One of his Lewis guns was lost during the fight.
But Corporal Foster didn't give up! He rushed forward, threw bombs at the enemy, and got his gun back. Then, he used his two guns to attack. He managed to defeat the enemy gun team and captured their machine-guns. This incredibly brave act helped his unit move forward.
For his amazing courage, Edward Foster was given the Victoria Cross. He also received another important award called the Médaille Militaire from France.
Life After the War
Edward Foster left the army in October 1918. He went back to work for Wandsworth Council. Because of his bravery, the council promoted him to Dusting Inspector. He worked in this role for 26 more years.
Edward Foster passed away suddenly on January 22, 1946, when he was 60 years old. He is buried in Streatham Cemetery in London. A special headstone was placed on his grave in 1997.
His Victoria Cross medal and other awards were sold in 1988. Today, his Victoria Cross is on display for everyone to see at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery in the Imperial War Museum in London.
A footpath in King George's Park is named "Foster's Way" in his honour. It helps people remember his bravery.
Awards and Honours
Edward Foster received several important awards for his service and bravery:
- Victoria Cross (VC): This was awarded on June 27, 1917, for his incredible bravery at Villers-Plouich.
- British War Medal: Awarded on July 26, 1919, for his service during World War I.
- World War I Victory Medal: Awarded on September 1, 1919, to celebrate the end of World War I.
- King George VI Coronation Medal: Awarded on May 12, 1937, because he was a Victoria Cross recipient.
- Médaille militaire: This French award was given to him on July 13, 1917, by the French Republic.
Images for kids
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The ribbon bar for the Victoria Cross.
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The ribbon bar for the British War Medal.
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The ribbon bar for the World War I Victory Medal.
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The ribbon bar for the King George VI Coronation Medal.
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The ribbon bar for the Médaille Militaire.
