953, Private James FORSTER — 4th Light Dragoons
Born at Paddington, London, c.1818.
Enlisted at London on the 11th of October 1838.
Age: 20 years 2 months.
Height: 5' 9".
Trade: Labourer.
Appearance: Fresh complexion. Hazel eyes. Lt. brown hair.
Returned from India on the 12th of March 1842 aboard the "Mary," having left Bombay on the 13th of December 1841.
"Confined", 26th of August 1844, and tried by Regtl Court-martial on the 27th and sentenced to 20 days' "solitary confinement"; but was released on the 11th of September, 4 days being remitted by Colonel Daly.
Sent to Scutari on the 20th of January 1855 and rejoining the regiment on the 11th of May 1855.
Discharged from Newbridge on the 9th of June 1863.
"Own request, after 24 years' service."
Served 24 years 225 days.
In Turkey and the Crimea: 1 year 10 months
In India: 2 years 4 months.
Conduct and character: "a good soldier".
In possession of one G.G. [PB: presumably Good Conduct] badge.
Twice entered in the Regimental Defaulter's book. Never tried by Court-martial.
Aged 44 years 9 months on discharge.
Awarded a pension of 9d. per day.
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps for Alma, Inkerman, and Sebastopol.
Named as "Foster" on the medal rolls, and this could be how his medals are named.
Documents confirm the award of the Crimean and Turkish medals.
Intended to live at 11, Brown Street, Square, London, after discharge, but he was living in Newcastle in 1873.