Glasgow Fire Brigade: Long Service Medal. Silver with 2 x clasps '20 Years' & '5 Years'. Named (Obadiah Forster)

In 1928, Superintendent Obadiah Forster, was shortlisted for the appointment of Fire-Master of the Glasgow Fire Brigade, but was unsuccessful

A legendary member of the Glasgow Fire Brigade, in which service he was referred to as 'Daredevil Forster', the below following article about the recipient and his distinguished services together with a pen and ink portrait was published in 'The People's Journal' newspaper issue of 19 April 1930 :

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GALLANT FIRE FIGHTER

Glasgow Superintendent Retires

"DARE-DEVIL FORSTER"

"Special to People's Journal"

By the retiral of Supt. Obadiah Forster, after 30 years' service, Glasgow has lost one of its most daring fire fighters. So enthusiastic in the execution of his duties was the ex-chief of the Western Division that there were times, when flames threatened the lives of occupants of houses, that he was ordered by his superiors to restrain his activities.

From what I can gather regarding him, his motto when attending an outbreak would seem to have been "Get in. You will get out all right." Since his departure from office Mr. Forster has settled down in a house of his own in Vennard Gardens, Pollokshaws, and it was that that I saw him and talked over old times.

In his younger days, when he was a plain fireman, he earned the name that has stuck to him all his days - "Dare-Devil Forster." Many burglars have to thank him for their arrest on top of roofs where they had escaped in the hope of evading capture.

I recalled an occasion to the ex-superintendent when he captured a burglar hanging on to a chimney on the top of a four-story building. Mr Forster laughed "The burglar seemed surprised when I told him to watch and not stumble." he remarked "He saw that there was no escape for him, and he came with me quietly."

Thrown From Fire Engine

Mr Forster has been injured on two occasions which necessitated his removal to the infirmary for treatment. While proceeding a fire to a house in Cornwall Street, the fire engine dashed into a tramcar. The machine had skidded, and the collision was such that six firemen, including Mr Forster, were thrown off, sustaining injuries which laid him aside from duties for a number of days.

The other occasion was when he was attending a fire in the Government  offices in St. Vincent Street several  months ago. " I was on the sixth floor - an attic - with two firemen, when the roof gave way, and I was struck on the head by the falling material." remarked the superintendent. "The accident was unfortunate for me, as I have not been quite myself since, and have not been able to take active duty. Other two firemen were also injured by the fall, two of us being taken to the infirmary."

Mr Forster's squad was on duty at the disastrous fire in Graham Square, Glasgow, several years ago when four firemen lost their lives. The officer then revealed the stuff of which he is made, Time and again he entered the scene of devastation to assist his comrades.

The Hampden Riot

He has a vivid recollection of the Hampden riot. Indeed, it was he who ran the first line of hose on that occasion. "I received more kicks than compliments that day." declared the officer.

For at least one act that day, however, Mr Forster received compliments. The pumps were started up to clear the rioters from the park by means of the hose. But the hose was cut. The crowd uprooted the goalposts and placed them in front of the horses then used in the fire engines; the reins were taken off the horses' heads and, but, for the promptitude of Mr Forster, who secured and replaced them, the horses would have broken away and caused a serious accident.

During the war he was firemaster of the munition town of Georgetown, Renfrewshire, where his fine service earned him high praise from the Fire Committee of the Ministry controlling munitions. He trained the factory women and girls to be fire fighters. These women donned special male attire and participated in the fire drill until they became proficient in the work. He had a staff of 120 girls and a number of men.

Mr Forster holds the Long Service Medal and the Scottish Police Medal;

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A superb & highly desirable example of medal type, to a legendary Glasgow firefighter 'Daredevil Forster'

Scarce

Condition: GVF

Code: 26236