Lot 5123

Description

Victory Medal 1914-19. Chaplain J.A.Forrest A.I.F. Impressed. Good very fine.

James Alexander Forrest, minister of religion (Presbyterian), age 52, born at Dumbarton, Scotland; Enl.16Jun1917 and appt'd Chaplain 4th Class with previous service as Chaplain at Seymour Camp, Vic from May to November 1916; Emb.21Jun1917; served in England and France; RTA 03Jan1919 as Ship's Staff; Appointment Terminated 27Feb1919.

When a request was made for Chaplain Forrest to return to Australia, he received a glowing report from Brig-Gen S.Braggy, Commandant, in part, as follows, 'has been with the 5th Div. Artillery for eleven months: no padre has done better work than Mr. Forrest, and everything he has taken up has been characterised with efficiency; he is loved and deeply respected by all the men. I am sorry that congregational conditions in Australia require his return.'

Rev James Alexander Forrest was one of the best-known Presbyterian ministers in Victoria. He began his ministry at Buninyong and had charge of presbyteries at North Carlton, St George's, Geelong and Canterbury where he was minister for 18 years and had one of the largest Presbyterian congregations in Australia. He retired from Canterbury Church in 1936 and acted as pastor at Scots Church, Collins Street, Melbourne for 3 years. He died on 10 July 1941 and was buried at Burwood Cemetery, Burwood, Victoria. He was survived by a daughter and a son, Rev. J.F.Forrest who at that time was a prisoner of war in Greece.

With copy of Service File.