| Place | Oceania: Australia |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/04964.005 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Medal |
| Physical description | Cupronickel (alloy) |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1946 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
British War Medal 1939-45 : Chaplain A E Forbes
Description
British War Medal 1939-45. Impressed around edge with recipient's details.
History / Summary
297 Trumpeter Arthur Edward Forbes served with 3rd Queensland (Mounted Infantry) Contingent to the Boer War. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal at Koster's River, Transvaal on 22 July 1900 and was also mentioned in despatches. Forbes subsequently served as an army chaplain in both world wars. Forbes returned to South Africa in March 1902, serving with the Australian Commonwealth Horse. Forbes served as an army chaplain in both world wars. He was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1909. In March 1915 he was commissioned as a chaplain (4th class) but resigned his commission and enlisted as a gunner because of the delay in posting him overseas. He was discharged from his battery just before it embarked and again attested as a chaplain in June 1917, serving in England and France. Forbes returned to Australia in 1919 and served as a part-time chaplain with the Australian Military Forces between the wars. He was awarded the Efficiency Decoration in 1938. Between 1941 and 1944 he served as a full-time military chaplain in South Australia.