Description Defence Medal, War Medal, Air Efficiency Award, GVI, Acting Wing Commander Robert Henry Bernard Forster, RAFVR, an Irish Engineers from Ballmacward, Co Galway, Ireland. AEA Officially engraved: “Act Wg Cdr R.H.B. Forster. R.A.F.V.R.” Awarded on 24th November 1949. Robert Henry Bernard Forster was born in the village of Ballymacward in County Galway, Ireland on 24th May 1905. The son of William and Mary Edith Forster, his father was a Clergyman. Initially educated from 1916-22 at Craven School, in Bray, Co Wicklow and then at St Columba’s College in Rathfarnham, County Dublin. After this he came to London, to study at Kings College, University of London to pursue his Degree of a B.Sc (Eng) earning 2nd Class Hons graduating in 1925. Leaving education he became a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and began his career, working from 1925-6 in charge of D.O. for Motor Pistons Ltd in London, followed by 1926-28 in D.O. for Telegraph Construction Maintenance Co , Cable Makers. He then worked from 1928-31 as a Furnace Designer, for Fuel Oil Tech Dpt of Asiatic Petroleum Co Ltd in London, on design of all types of oil fired furnaces, running tests and advising clients. This would include his design of the “Midget” Oil FIre BRass Melting Furance which he patented from 1929. By 1931 he became the Assistant Chief Designer at for Asiatic Petroleum Co Ltd. Having seen considerable work he transferred from an Apprentice to Associate Member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. Around this time, he got himself a Commission in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, likely due to his similar interests in fuel and engines. Being first commissioned on 2nd September 1935 he worked initially with the RAF Educational Service before moving over to the Technical Branch once the war began. Being promoted to Flight Officer as of 7th September 1939 in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch (Employed on Special Duties). He was then promoted to Squadron Leader with the Technical Branch of Engineers dated 1st December 1941. Among his many promotions during the war was reaching the rank of Wing Commander with Technical Branch RAF on 1st July 1945. After almost 2 decades of service in the RAF, he retired from duty with the Auxiliary Air Force, retaining his rank of Wing Commander on 21st September 1954. He remained working as a Mechanical Engineer, a patent from 1967 can be found for his Improvements in or relating to refractory regenerative furnaces under No GB1244839A He later died in Tadworth on 7th January 1994.
