Date of birth: 1893-12-12
Place of birth: Dundee Scotland
Next of kin: Matthew Forbes; father; 17th Battalion, C.E.F.
Marital status: single
Occupation (attested): Teamster
Occupation (normalized): Animal-Drawn Vehicle Driver (Road)
Religion: Presbyterian
Regimental number: 19605
Rank detailSergeant, 10th Battalion, Infantry (Army).
Degree of service: Europe
Survived war: yes
AwardsDistinguished Conduct Medal (Hill 70)
Description: On 15/8/17, on Hill 70, he led his platoon in the attack and during the heavy shelling which followed was a splendid example to his men. His platoon was detailed to carry S.S.A., bombs and water from the old British Front Line to the captured German second line, which they did under a very heavy enemy barrage, being led by this N.C.O.. Before daylight on 16/8/17, after his company were relieved and were moving back to the billets, they came under a very heavy enemy gas bombardment. He had the platoon adjust respirators at once and as men could not see their way he had them take hold of bayonet scabbards to keep in touch, he himself adjusted his nose clip and mouthpiece, but the face covering off, and in this way led his platoon through the gas without a casualty.
Date of award: 1917-11-16
Date of award: 1917-08-15
Source: London Gazette
Service file: B3179-S048
Uploader's Notes: Husband of Isabella Forbes, 15 Patons Lane, Dundee. Son of Mrs Mary Forbes, 36 Seafield Rd, Dundee. Son of C.S.M. Matthew Forbes, 19802, 10th Battalion, Canadian Infantry.
Uploader's Research notes: Sometimes referred to as "Davis" Forbes [Sergeant Army Canadian Infantry 10th Battalion Distinguished Conduct Medal Hill 70 On 15/8/17, on Hill 70, he led his platoon in the attack and during the heavy shelling which followed was a splendid example to his men. His platoon was detailed to carry S.S.A., bombs and water from the old British Front Line to the captured German second line, which they did under a very heavy enemy barrage, being led by this N.C.O.. Before daylight on 16/8/17, after his company were relieved and were moving back to the billets, they came under a very heavy enemy gas bombardment. He had the platoon adjust respirators at once and as men could not see their way he had them take hold of bayonet scabbards to keep in touch, he himself adjusted his nose clip and mouthpiece, but the face covering off, and in this way led his platoon through the gas without a casualty. ]
Date added: 2005-03-17
Last modified: 2019-02-11
