Chris Forrester served as a milkman prior to joining The Parachute Regiment in 1970, and served mainly with 1 PARA.
He had been promoted to Sgt by the time the battalion was deployed for its emergency tour of Hong Kong in 1980.
On its return, 1 PARA was deployed for public duties in Scotland. This was rather a culture shock for a Parachute Battalion and the attached photograph shows Chris Forrester looking distinctly unimpressed at being on ceremonial duties at Edinburgh Castle!
He was the Permanent Staff Instructor (PSI) for 16 Lincoln Company (V) from 1981 to 1983. He had a relaxed instructional style although he instilled a high standard of soldiering into the Territorial soldier - woe betide the recruit that carried his SLR in 'Northern Ireland Patrol style' while on field exercise!
Chris returned to the 1 PARA fold as Platoon Sergeant for 9 Platoon in C Company and was promoted to Colour Sergeant in 1984.
From 1985 to 1987 he was posted as PSI to 3 Company 10 PARA (V).
Later that year Chris had to have an operation to remove a growth on a lung. Unfortunately the operation did not go according to plan and Chris spent Christmas 1987 fighting for his life.
It is believed that Chris retired from the army after completing his 22 years service in 1992.
Profile under development.
Compiled by Harvey Grenville
