Guy Archibald FORREST (1879-1934)

Guy Archibald Forrest in Royal Flying Corps Uniform with Observer Wings circa 1917

Early Life and Background

Guy Archibald FORREST was born on 24th June 1879, at Grymsdyke in Lacey Green, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire. His father, John FORREST, had accumulated significant wealth in the East Indies through the sugar trade, retiring in his late thirties. His mother, and Eveline Forrest (née Rodger), came from a wealthy family. Although the family home was Grymsdyke in Lacey Green, soon after his birth, his mother Eveline developed puerperal mania, (now more commonly referred to as postpartum psychosis), a severe mental health condition that can occur after childbirth. It is characterized by a sudden onset of psychotic symptoms, which may include extreme mood swings, delusions, hallucinations, agitation, confusion, and sometimes violent behavior. As a result, she was detained in Sandwell Park asylum in Cheltenham and John Forrest and fmaily leased a property, Rivershill, in Cheltenham whilst Eveline recovered.

The youngest of four brothers, Guy grew up in a privileged and affluent household with numerous servants where he and his siblings attended prestigious schools.

Education

Forrest’s education began at Upland House School in Epsom, Surrey, from 1885 to 1890. Upland House School was a reputable preparatory school for boys of the British upper and upper-middle classes. It provided 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. At Upland, Forrest began to develop the discipline and sense of duty that would characterize his later military career.

From 1893 to 1898, Forrest attended Uppingham School in Rutland, 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 instill 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.

In October 1897, Forrest applied to Christ Church, Oxford University, intending to pursue a medical profession, though he later withdrew his application.

In 1901, at age 21, Forrest was living in the Fitzwilliam area of Dublin, being privately tutored as a "civil service student," in preparation for a potential career in British civil service or colonial administration.

Boer War (1901–1903)

In 1901, Forrest’s military career began when he joined the South African Constabulary during the Second Boer War (1899–1902). As a 3rd Class Trooper, he participated in enforcing martial law, reconnaissance, and combat against Boer fighters in harsh environmental conditions, earning the Queen’s South Africa Medal with five clasps.

Early Career and Personal Life

After returning from the Boer War, Forrest began working as a "Land Agent," a role involving the management of estates, agricultural interests, and property dealings. He worked for Farebrother, Ellis, Egerton & Co., a prominent real estate firm operating across various regions in the UK.

In 1906, Forrest met (Ellen) Dorothy Egerton, the daughter of Hubert Decimus EGERTON in the firm and Annie HORNER. The couple married at The Church of Annunciation, Chislehurst, Kent on 20th April 1909 , and they had one son, Charles Evelyn Macintosh Forrest, born in 1910. The family initially lived at "Sunnydene," Rowledge, Surrey, before moving to "The Corner House" in Eltham, Sidcup.

Some time later, Guy and Dorothy separated. 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.

In April 1912, Forrest emigrated to Canada, intending to start a new chapter as a rancher. During this period, emigration to Canada was common among Britons seeking new opportunities, as the Canadian government actively encouraged settlement to develop its vast, open lands. For a person like Forrest, who was coming from an affluent background and had a desire to escape the restrictions of his previous life, Canada offered a fresh start. Ranching was particularly attractive to those looking for adventure and prosperity, with the promise of land ownership, self-sufficiency, and an outdoors-based lifestyle. Canada's wide-open spaces and less structured social environment also appealed to those seeking personal and economic independence, a stark contrast to the class-bound and highly regulated British society.

Forrest’s move to Canada, like many emigrants of the time, would have required significant adaptation to the frontier lifestyle, managing land, livestock, and farming in often harsh conditions. Despite the challenges, the dream of a prosperous and independent life was a powerful motivator for such a move.

World War I Service

Canadian Expeditionary Force and the PPCLI

When World War I broke out, Forrest, who was living in Canada at the time, enlisted in the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. The PPCLI was the first regiment in its division to enter frontline trenches in France in early 1915. The conditions were harsh, with trench warfare characterized by constant artillery barrages, unsanitary conditions, and the ever-present threat of enemy fire. Forrest rose to the rank of Sergeant but had to return the England as a casualty to Sheffield Hospital on 15th May 1915 where he spent two months recovering. He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star for services in the Theatre of War in France whilst in the Corps (authorised on 28th November 1922).

British Army Service Corps

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.

Royal Flying Corps (RFC)

Transition to Aerial Warfare 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.

“C” Flight Reconnaissance and the Arab Revolt 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 aimed to secure independence for Arab lands and was backed by British forces, including T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Reconnaissance flights provided vital intelligence to support these operations across the desert terrain.

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.

Home Defence in London 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 wartime service, Forrest was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.

Later Life and Death

In 1921, Forrest left England aboard the steamer Orvieto, arriving in Melbourne, Australia. In December 1921, he purchased shares in "Moutajup Oil Well," reflecting the optimism and speculation surrounding oil prospecting during this period in Australia.

He returned to England in 1922 upon the death of his brother, John Graham Forrest, who left him a sizeable inheritance. Forrest set up a £4,000 trust fund for his son and a voluntary settlement for his wife, Dorothy. By December 1923, he returned to Australia on the steamer Narkunda.

In January 1924, Forrest purchased "Highton," a 12-room mansion in Mansfield set on over 500 acres, equipped for sheep farming. He sold "fat sheep" in large quantities at markets and also acquired horses for racing. However, in February 1925, he sold the property and returned to England on the steamer Tahiti28th September 1933, having been "recalled to England by cable."

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 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.