Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Burma operations M.B.E. group of eight awarded to Warrant Officer Class 1 H. Foster, Royal Signals

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (); India General Service 1936-39, 2 clasps, North West Frontier 1936-37, North West Frontier 1937-39 (); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; Army Long Service and Good Conduct, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (), good very fine (8) £500-600

M.B.E. London Gazette 6 June 1946:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.’

The original recommendation states:

‘Regimental Sergeant-Major Foster has served under me as Superintendent C.S.O’s Branch ever since Fourteenth Army was formed. I make this citation the day before the same Army is disbanded. He has been on this front in active operations since December 1941. I know this Warrant Officer intimately and have witnessed his conduct under conditions of extreme discomfort, anxiety and pressure of work. Shortage of staff and frequent changes of personnel have left him undismayed. He has never failed to knit his subordinates into a willing team: his advice to inexperienced staff officers has been invaluable. He is the only Superintendent of a branch in Fourteenth Army who has been with the Army throughout, in spite of the fact that he could have taken up a comparable appointment in more salubrious surroundings of comfort and ease. He has, in fact, been a pillar of strength. His work has of necessity been behind the scenes but if the attributes of self sacrifice, determination and an extreme willingness to undertake any arduous duty are yardsticks for an award, then I can think of no one more qualified or deserving than R.S.M. Foster.’

Harry Foster was also mentioned in despatches for Burma (London Gazette 19 July 1945 refers).