Botha’s Hill nonagenarian honoured for his bravery
William Foster was honoured with the medal in recognition of his service on the Arctic Convoys of World War II.
IT was a double celebration for 90-year-old William Foster, whose birthday coincided with him receiving the Arctic Star Medal, which was presented to him by his family on behalf of the British Ministry of Defence.
Foster was honoured with the medal in recognition of his service on the Arctic Convoys of World War II.
The father of three’s journey began at the age of 16 when he was assigned to the SS Dan-Y-Bryn for his first convoy.
Speaking about his father’s achievements, Clyde Foster said, “The Arctic Convoys were ocean-going convoys that sailed primarily from the UK and Iceland to the northern ports in the Soviet Union, primarily Murmansk and Archangel. In total there were 78 convoys between August 1941 and May 1945.
“Proportionately, they are considered as some of the most deadly actions of the war. The convoys helped support the Soviet Union against the German forces by supplying vital ammunition, tanks, aircraft and other vital supplies. The convoys were a significant distraction to the German navy and airforce, which assisted the allies in other theatres of war.”
Born in Scotland in 1925, Foster lived in different locations in England and Scotland before being offered a position as Marconi Marines’ Durban depot manager. The family emigrated to South Africa in June 1970. They quickly settled in West Riding, Hillcrest, where they lived for many years before moving to Botha’s Hill, Foster’s current residence.
In regards to the medal, the BB estimated that there are only about 400 survivors of the convoys that are still living. The Arctic Star is a military campaign medal that was instituted by the UK on 19 December 2012 to commemorate the service of the seamen in the icy waters of the Arctic region during World War II and is a mark of the nation’s gratitude for the heroism they displayed in the face of terrible hardship on the convoys. The Arctic Star was formally approved by the Queen for award to those who served in the Arctic Convoys.
Foster was in the Merchant Navy and served as a radio officer for the duration of his service from 1942 to 1952, after which he had a long and successful career with Marconi Marine. For the last few years of his working life he successfully ran his own company, Foster Marine.
