FORSTER, Eva May
| Service Number: | 91656 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 4 January 1942 |
| Last Rank: | Sergeant |
| Last Unit: | Not yet discovered |
| Born: | Mannum, South Australia, 15 February 1922 |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Clerk / Shorthand Typist |
| Died: | Natural causes, Blackwood, South Australia, 18 March 2023, aged 101 years |
| Cemetery: |
Holy Innocents Anglican Church Cemetery, Belair, South Australia |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 4 Jan 1942: | Involvement Sergeant, 91656 | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Jan 1942: | Enlisted Adelaide | |
| 4 Jan 1942: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Sergeant, 91656 | |
| 4 Oct 1945: | Discharged |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Michelle MCSHANE
We were deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Bobbie Forster, another one of our wonderful WW2 WAAAF veterans.
Eva (Bobbie) Forster nee Lowe was born 15 Feb 1922 in Mannum, SA. After completing school, she found employment as a stenographer in Mannum. In January 1942, Eva finally entered the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) as a clerk and went to Victoria to conduct initial training at Geelong Grammar School. Due to her experience and skills as a stenographer, she did not have to complete any trade training upon entering the WAAAF.
After initial training, she completed postings in World War 2 to RAAF Station Parafield in Adelaide, Bairnsdale, Victoria and Sydney. She rose to the rank of Sergeant working in Orderly Rooms. Her sad memories were of writing letter of condolences to aircrew who lost their lives in accidents, but her happiest memory was of joining in the celebrations on the streets of Sydney when peace in the Pacific was declared in August 1945.
Bobbie married FLGOFF William (Paul) Forster, a pilot who served with No 200 (Liberator) Special Duties Flight, flying Liberators. After the war, Bobbie and Paul raised four children but sadly, Paul died at the young age of 49. Bobbie went on to work for 10 years as a medical courier. She also travelled the world and was very active in her community. She volunteered in the shop of a nursing home for 38 years before eventually retiring at the age of 98.
In early 2022, we met Bobbie when the Air Force acknowledged her turning 100 during the Air Force Centenary and presented her with an Air Force Centenarian presentation including a framed certificate signed by the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld and the Warrant Officer of the Air Force, Warrant Officer Fiona Grasby. It was a wonderful moment as our President, Dr Robert Black, joined GPCAPT Greg Weller, Assistant SADFO RAAF Edinburgh and CPL Maddie Onofria (a modern day personnel capability specialist – the equivalent of Eva's trade in WW2). The stories and time we shared with her were very special. She was a very proud but modest person who was a delight to talk to.
Noting we recognized International Women's Day several weeks ago, it is significant to note that our WAAAF veterans like Eva were pioneers not only for the Defence Force but also Australia setting a precedent and standard for women in the workplace that is still marveled by generations today. People like Eva contributed so much to Australia not only during World War 2 war but to Australian society for ever more and will always be remembered.
Farewell Bobbie – Thank you for your service. Fair Skies.
Blackwood and Adelaide Hills identity Eva 'Bobbie' Forster died peacefully at her home on Saturday 18 March, 2023 at the age of 101.
A long term resident of both Belair and Blackwood, Bobbie was well known in the district for her volunteer work.
Courtesy of Miles Badcock via Blackwood Times newspaper
Click images to start slideshow.