Douglas Forth was born in Norfolk and was working as a farm labourer at Tarras when he enlisted in
He was wounded at a relatively quiet time in the trenches. His right leg was amputated above the knee and his left foot taken off as well. After the operation he was placed on the "seriously ill" list, which might have been due to infection or blood loss. His records also, for some reason, record "deafness improved. Can hear conversation quite well."
He was discharged from the Army with a pension reflecting his 85% estimated disability.
Mr D. Cockburn had a visit last week from his nephew, who came all the way from Queenstown, Otago, to look him up. It was in the bloody fight at Passchendaele that Private Cockburn was wounded in both legs, while charging through the bullet-swept mud with his comrades. Subsequently at the base it was found impossible to save them and both limbs were amputated. His "cobber," Private Forth, who accompanied him, was buried in a broken trench at the same battle, crushed by the debris and suffered amputation of the right leg. It happened therefore that the two veterans could muster only one whole leg between them. -Northern Advocate, 3/3/1920.
MARRIAGES.
FORTH — HARLAND. — On December 21, 1921, at Dunedin, by the Rev. J. M. Simpson, B.A., Douglas William Forth to Frances Elizabeth Harland. -Evening Star, 28/1/1922.
NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.
“Interested.” — Mr T. P. Ryan, care of Wellington Limb Factory, has an agent in Dunedin, Mr D. W. Forth, limb maker, Dunedin Hospital. As his contract with the Government has expired, we understand he may supply private cases.
“Taxpayer.” — Your letter would have to be re-written to be suitable for publication. -Otago Daily Times, 21/8/1924.
PATENTS
Otago: A. S. Ayson; breaking confectionery. Shiels, Jenkins and Co. Ltd; milking machine releaser. R. D. Coghill; hemp, fibre etc., treatment. Walker and Rennick; flexible pipe connection. D. W. Forth; artificial limb. -Nelson Evening Mail, 29/9/1928.
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS
“Nero,” Hawea Flat. — The coin was issued during the reign of Domitianus Augustus, Roman emperor, A.D. 81-96. It is of no value.
"Stumpy.” — Mr D. W. Forth, 479 King street; Mr J. Jackson, 415 George street; and McKay Artificial Limb Co., Ltd., 173 Stuart street, Dunedin.
"Wages,” Central Otago. — (l) Neither a miner nor a prospector can enter upon freehold property without the consent of the owner. (2) A policeman in New Zealand or in England whether on duty or not can arrest a person. A civilian can arrest a person detected in the commission of a crime. (3) A policeman in New Zealand or in England can enter premises without the owner’s consent in order to arrest a burglar.
T. —We think you will find, if the statement to which you refer appeared in our columns, that it was not made by ourselves. -Otago Daily Times, 22/8/1933.
DEATHS.
FORTH. — On November 4, at Wanaka (suddenly), Douglas William Forth, No. 20,549, late Canterbury Regiment; aged 55; beloved husband of Frances Elizabeth Forth, Wanaka. -Evening Star, 4/11/1941.
Obituary. — The death occurred suddenly at Wanaka on Tuesday last of Mr Douglas Forth. He had resided in Wanaka for the past five years, and was highly respected by all who knew him. Mr Forth was a keen bowler, and was quartermaster for the local Home Guard. He is survived by his widow. -Otago Daily Times, 12/11/1941.
BEREAVEMENT NOTICES
FORTH. — Mrs D. W. Forth, Wanaka, wishes to Thank the many friends, the returned soldiers and the members of the Home Guard for their kind expressions of sympathy and help in her recent sad bereavement. -Otago Daily Times, 15/11/1941.
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