Guy Archibald FORREST (1879-1934)
Guy Archibald Forrest | |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 June 1879 Lacey Green, Buckinghamshire, England |
| Died | 3 January 1934 (aged 54) Splatt, Cornwall, England |
| Resting place | St Enodoc Church, Trebetherick, Cornwall 50.558128, -4.921849 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | British military officer |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |  Canadian Army British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1901-1903, 1914–1919 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Battles/wars | Boer War: Battle of Groenkloof Boer War: Battle of Tweebosch Boer War:Battle of Rooiwal WW1: Second Battle of Ypres |
| Awards | Queen’s South Africa Medal with five clasps 1914-1915 Star British War Medal Victory Medal |
| Signature | |
 | |
Guy Archibald FORREST (June 24, 1879 – January 4, 1934) was a British military officer and entrepreneur whose life was defined by a wide range of careers and transitions. After receiving an elite education, Forrest embarked on a military career in the South Africa Constabulary fighting in the Boer War, after which he pursued a career as a rancher in Canada. During World War I, he re-entered military service, enlisting in the Canadian Army, the British Army, then transferring to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). His entrepreneurial spirit extended to farming and investing in Australia, where he purchased large estates and engaged in livestock trading. Forrest ultimately settled in Majorca, where he spent his last few years until his death in 1934.
Early Life and Education
Guy Archibald Forrest was born on June 24, 1879, at the family house Grymsdyke in Lacey Green, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire[1]. His father, John Forrest, had accumulated significant wealth in the East Indies as a merchant in the sugar trade, retiring in his late thirties. His mother, Eveline Forrest (née Rodger), also came from a wealthy merchant family.
Soon after his birth, however, his mother Eveline developed puerperal mania, (now more commonly referred to as postpartum psychosis), a severe mental health condition that can occur after childbirth. As a result, she was admitted to Sandwell Park Asylum in Cheltenham, the town of her parent's residence. During her recovery, which possibly took over a year, John Forrest and the family re-located to a rented property, Rivershill, in Cheltenham.
The youngest of four brothers, Forrest grew up in a privileged and affluent household with numerous servants and the advantage of attending prestigious schools. The first, in 1895, being Upland House School in Epsom, Surrey. Upland House School was a reputable preparatory school for boys of the British upper and upper-middle classes, providing a strong foundation in classical subjects, discipline, and character development. Such schools prepared students for further education in prominent public schools like Eton or Harrow, focusing on Latin, Greek, mathematics, and extracurricular activities that cultivated leadership and social skills.
In May 1893, Forrest enrolled at Uppingham School in Rutland[2][3], one of England’s leading public schools. During his time, Uppingham was under the headmastership of Edward Thring, a significant educational reformer who prioritized a holistic educational approach. Thring believed in developing a well-rounded curriculum, extending beyond academics to include music, arts, sports, and personal character development. The school aimed to maximize individual potential and instil a strong sense of community, emphasizing qualities like morality, confidence, and self-discipline. Physical fitness and teamwork were encouraged through sports such as cricket, rugby, and rowing, aligning with Thring's belief that education should nurture both the body and the mind. His progressive philosophy made Uppingham distinct in Victorian England, fostering an environment where academic excellence, leadership, and character-building were given equal importance.
First Military Experience: Boer War
Forrest's career trajectory upon leaving Uppingham School in August 1898 changed several times. He had, in October 1897, applied to Christ Church, Oxford University to pursue a medical profession, perhaps intending to follow in his grandfather and great-grandfather's footsteps, however he withdrew his application. Instead, in July 1900, he applied to be a cadet in the Royal Irish Constabulary, a militarized police force established to maintain law and order in Ireland, enforcing British rule during a period of political unrest. Applicants typically required a strong education, often with university experience, and had to pass competitive exams, demonstrate leadership, and meet strict physical and moral standards. Forrest had not attended university and whilst he was able to enjoy the benefits of a private tutor, he failed to pass.
He withdrew his application with the aim of joining one of H.M. Colonial Forces, and in June 1901, he successfully enlisted as a 3rd Class Trooper in the South African Constabulary. This paramilitary police force, established by the British during the Second Boer War in 1900, was responsible for maintaining order and ensuring security in the newly annexed territories of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. Forrest's application included a request by Colonel John Hanbury Williams addressed to Major General Baden Powell stating the following:
During the Boer War, Forrest would have experienced a challenging and arduous routine, marked by long patrols in harsh, rugged terrain, often facing guerrilla warfare tactics. Troopers had to endure extreme weather conditions, limited rations, and the constant threat of ambushes, while their duties involved enforcing martial law, conducting raids, and protecting supply lines. Living in makeshift camps, they faced poor sanitation, disease, and homesickness, all while being part of a larger British effort to suppress Boer resistance during the war’s later stages. The Boer War ended in May 1902 and for his service Forrest was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal with five clasps.
Civilian Ventures: Land Agent and Ranching in Canada
In March 1903, having secured employment for a period of six months working in stables in Pretoria, Forrest successfully applied for discharge from the South African Constabulary. Here he would have further developed his horse management skills, invaluable for a future career as a rancher.
It is not known how long Forrest stayed in South Africa, but by 1906, he had returned to England and was working as a land agent for Farebrother, Ellis, Egerton & Co., a prominent estate management firm operating across various regions in the UK. Land agents acted as the manager or overseer of estates and agricultural lands on behalf of wealthy landowners, responsible for tasks such as collecting rents, managing tenant relations, overseeing land use, ensuring proper maintenance of properties, and sometimes advising on the sale or purchase of land. Forrest would have often played a key role in ensuring the profitability and efficient running of large estates, handling legal, financial, and agricultural matters. At this time, Forrest is identified in his school alumni records as living in North Grimston, Yorkshire where he possibly was managing an estate until 1908. He also appears to demonstrate his enthusiasm for cricket, developed at Uppingham School, as he is recorded in the local newspaper as playing on the team for Malton, a nearby village.
Top Right: Frensham Heights Mansion 1917 when it was being used as a military hospital;
Bottom: Photographs of Sunnydene and it's summerhouse, circa 1910, from photo album of Charles Evelyn Macintosh Forrest;It is thought that Forrest met his future wife (Ellen) Dorothy Egerton around 1906 as they are first pictured together at the wedding of Vernon Allen and Dorothy's sister Cicilie Egerton which took place in July of that year. Dorothy, from Chislehurst, Kent, was the daughter of Annie HORNER and Hubert Decimus EGERTON, a partner of the firm Farebrother, Ellis, Egerton & Co. in which Forrest was employed. It is likely that through this link the couple met.
In 1908, Forrest became the estate manager of Frensham Hill, near Farnham in Surrey, owned by Charles Charrington, a director of a local brewery. Frensham Hill was a large country estate featuring an Arts and Crafts-style mansion (now Frensham Heights school), surrounded by landscaped gardens and woodlands and having expansive views over the Surrey countryside. Charrington spent a fortune on the house and grounds, and lavished more on hospitality. He was particularly keen on cricket and had a pitch in the grounds. Forrest joined the team, ultimately becoming captain with local newspapers changing the team name from "Mr C.E.N. Charrington's XI" to "Mr G. A. Forrest's XI".
Looking to establish a family home, in March 1909, Forrest entered into a 7 year contract to rent a newly built property, "Sunnydene" in Rowledge for £55 per year. Sunnydene was a large detached four bedroom property set in an acre of land including a motor garage and summer house.
The following month, on April 20, Guy and Dorothy married at The Church of Annunciation, Chislehurst, Kent[4]. Just under a year later, on May 3, 1910, Dorothy gave birth to their only son, Charles Evelyn Macintosh FORREST, nick-named 'Mac'.
However, in October 1910, the family moved to "The Corner House" in Eltham, Sidcup. This was possibly because Dorothy, with a new baby, wanted to be closer to her family in Kent, or potentially there were difficulties with Forrest's job at Frensham Hill, as Carrington put the estate up for sale in March 1911.
On April 5, 1912, it appears the couple went their separate ways, with Dorothy living in Kent with Mac and Guy emigrating to Canada on the ship "Empress of Ireland", to pursue a career as a rancher. At the time, divorce was socially stigmatized and legally difficult to obtain, requiring proof of misconduct such as adultery or desertion. Many couples who faced marital difficulties often chose separation without officially divorcing, as it was a more socially acceptable way to manage a failed marriage.
Emigration to Canada followed a common path for Britons seeking new opportunities, as the Canadian government actively promoted settlement to develop its vast, open territories. Ranching, with its promise of land ownership, self-sufficiency, and an adventurous, outdoor lifestyle, was particularly appealing to those in search of both economic and personal independence. Canada's expansive, less structured environment offered a stark contrast to Britain's rigid, class-based society. Like many emigrants of the time, Forrest would have had to adapt to the challenges of frontier life, managing land, livestock, and farming under often harsh conditions.
Return to Military Service: World War I
The outbreak of World War I in 1914 saw Forrest return to military service. Still residing in Canada as a rancher, he enlisted in Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force[5].
Forrest left Quebec with the PPCLI on October 4, 1914, aboard the "Royal George", arriving in Plymouth, England, on October 14, 1914. After disembarking, the PPCLI underwent additional training and reorganization in England to prepare for their deployment to France. They were stationed at Salisbury Plain for military exercises and training alongside other British and Canadian units.
On December 21, 1914, they embarked for France, and by early January 1915, the PPCLI had taken up positions near St. Eloi in Belgium, where they were attached to the British 80th Brigade, 27th Division. They experienced trench warfare in freezing, muddy, and treacherous conditions, with regular skirmishes and shellfire from the German lines.
On March 17, 1915, Forrest was promoted to the rank of Sergeant[6], and on April 22, 1915, the PPCLI commenced the infamous Second Battle of Ypres which lasted until May 25, 1915, facing the first large-scale use of poison gas by the Germans. The regiment fought with distinction, suffering significant casualties while holding their ground, however, Forrest was admitted to hospital on April 27, 1915, and had to return to England as a casualty to Sheffield Hospital, where he spent two months recovering.
In November 1915, Forrest was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the British Army’s Army Service Corps (ASC). He was posted to Northern Egypt in January 1916 with the 31st Division, defending the strategically crucial Suez Canal. The ASC was responsible for critical logistical support, managing supply lines, and transporting essentials for troops stationed in remote and challenging environments, such as the desert around the Suez Canal.
In August 1916, Forrest transferred to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) as a Flying Officer (Observer), joining 14 Squadron. This period marked the emergence of aerial warfare, the first war in which aircraft played a significant combat role. Flying was extremely dangerous, and pilots and observers had very short life expectancies due to the hazards of flight, the fragility of early planes, and enemy fire. He was promoted from temporary 2nd Lieutenant to temporary Lieutenant on 1st July 1917[7].
Within 14 Squadron, Forrest was part of Detached Flight “C”, which conducted reconnaissance over the Hejaz region of Western Arabia in support of the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. The revolt, led by Sherif Hussein and supported by British forces—including T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia)—sought to secure independence for Arab lands from Ottoman rule. Reconnaissance flights provided vital intelligence on enemy positions, supply lines, and terrain, enabling successful coordination of Arab forces and British advisors across the harsh desert environment. These missions often faced significant challenges, including extreme weather, mechanical failures, and enemy ground fire, but were crucial in aiding the revolt's guerilla warfare tactics and disrupting Ottoman supply routes.
Forrest continued reconnaissance duties into 1917, when he was promoted to Lieutenant and participated in Special Duty Service Flights with 57 Reserve Squadron, performing missions in Northern Sinai. He later served as the Recording Officer for 111 Squadron in the Suez region, documenting operations and supporting squadron intelligence.
Returning to Britain in December 1917, Forrest joined the Home Defence Wing, initially serving with 39 Squadron to defend London from Zeppelin bombers. The Zeppelins, large German airships, terrorized the city, and early British pilots played a key role in intercepting and combating these raids. Forrest also served with 189 Night Training Squadron and 153 Squadron, focusing on training new pilots for combat roles, essential for maintaining the RFC's operational strength.
For his service in World War I, Forrest was awarded the 1914-15 Star (authorized on November 28, 1922)[8], the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.
Post-War Civilian Ventures: Farming and Investing in Australia
On February 26, 1921, Forrest departed England aboard the steamer Orvieto, arriving in Melbourne, Australia on April 4. This marked yet another chapter in Forrest's continued pursuit of adventure and opportunity abroad.
During the 1920s, many English people emigrated to Australia, driven by government incentives such as assisted passage schemes and promises of affordable land. Australia, with its vast expanses of land, growing agricultural industry, and the allure of natural resources, attracted those seeking a new beginning and the chance to prosper. The discovery of oil deposits and the burgeoning interest in oil prospecting added further incentive for adventurous individuals. This wave of migration included people like Forrest, who saw the potential for success not only in farming and land management but also in the opportunity to profit from oil exploration.
In December 1921, Forrest invested £1,000 to acquire 200 shares in "Moutajup Oil Well." The previous month, local newspapers had reported the discovery of oil deposits, and the company directors had claimed that oil had been found "in abundance." Forrest likely based his purchase on these optimistic reports. However, a government geologist had already inspected the site and determined that the oil found during test drilling was probably the result of contamination from the drilling equipment, meaning that no real oil deposits were present. This assessment was only reported in the newspapers in January 1922, by which time Forrest had already made his investment.
In January 1922, Forrest returned to England, due to the death of his brother, John Graham Forrest, who had left him a sizeable inheritance. Forrest set up a £4,000 trust fund for his son and a voluntary settlement for his wife, Dorothy.
In December 1923, Forrest returned to Australia on the steamer Narkunda, and likely using his inheritance purchased Highton, a 12-room mansion in Mansfield set on over 500 acres, equipped for sheep farming. There he sold "fat sheep" in large quantities at markets and also acquired horses for racing.
In spite of these significant investments, in February 1925, Forrest sold the property and returned to England on the steamer Tahiti[9]28th September 1933[10], having been "recalled to England by cable."
Later Life and Death
Forrest settled in Cornwall, living at "The Lawn," Port Quin, Port Isaac, where he was noted for playing tennis and golf. In September 1931, he sold the contents of his house and moved to Pollensa, Majorca, a popular destination for British expatriates seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle.
In September 1933, Forrest returned to Cornwall for an operation on his stomach. Local news reported: "Major Jock Forrest, ex-Royal Air Force, is going to England soon to consult a surgeon. All his many friends are hoping that it will not be necessary for him to undergo an operation. Meanwhile, there is considerable competition for the honour of looking after his dog, Silver, during his master's absence. Silver is a Bedlington Terrier, of great charm and perfect manners." A later report in November 1933 noted: "Major Forrest has made a quick recovery from his operation and is now recuperating in Cornwall. He expects to be back on the Island next May."
Unfortunately, on January 3, 1934, Forrest died at Harrich Villas, Splatt, Cornwall[11][12] of "carcinoma stomach – no pill," indicating stomach cancer, which at the time had limited treatment options. The Majorca Sun reported: "His many friends will be much distressed at the news of the sudden death of Major Jock Forrest in England. He had been in poor health for some time, and went to England last October for an operation. This proved successful, and we were all hoping to see him back in the summer. But there was a relapse, and he died on the fourth of January."
Guy Archibald Forrest was buried in the graveyard of St Enodoc Church, Trebetherick.
References
- ↑ General Register Office, Births, Wycombe, GRO Ref. 1879/Q2/3A/562
- ↑ Public Record Office, England Census, PRO Ref. RG12/2549/6/5
- ↑ Uppingham School Roll, 1824-1905 – Uppingham School (1906) p297
- ↑ General Register Office, Marriages, Bromley, GRO Ref. 1909/Q2/2A/981
- ↑ Attestation Paper – Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force, Regiment 853 (2nd Sep 1914)
- ↑ Promotions or Appointments – Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force, Regiment 853
- ↑ London Gazette No.30520 (12th Feb 1918) p4901
- ↑ British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, Regiment 853 (1914-1920)
- ↑ California Passenger and Crew Lists, 1893-1957
- ↑ UK Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960
- ↑ General Register Office, Deaths, Bodmin, GRO Ref. 1934/Q1/5C/88
- ↑ Last Will and Testament of Guy Archibald Forrest (15th February 1934)
