From PRO IUNVA
On Sunday 21 May 1989, Sgt Charles Forrester, died in his sleep from natural causes at Al Yatun, South Lebanon while serving with Recce Coy, 65 Inf Bn, UNIFIL. He was the 31st DF member to die while serving with UNIFIL.
His home unit was the 2 FA Regt, McKee Bks, Dublin, he had served as a Sgt with 7 FA Regt FCA before enlisting in the PDF and he also spent a period as Cadre Sgt with 7 FA Regt.
He had completed two tours of duty in Lebanon with 47 Inf Bn from May to Oct 1980 and with 54 Inf Bn from Nov 1983 to Apr 1984.
On 26 Oct 2007, a lecture hall in his home unit, the Charles Forrester Hall, was unveiled in his honour in the presence of family members.
He was 37 years old and a native of Dublin. He lived with his family at Corduff Green, Blanchardstown, Dublin and he was survived by his wife Catherine and their children Linda, Robert, Sinead and Emer.
His son, Robert, now retired, served as a Sgt with 5 Inf Bn and as a CQMS in 7 Inf Bn. Robert served is first overseas tour of duty in Lebanon with 82 Inf Bn in 1997 as a Pte.
Sgt Charles Forrester was the oldest of six boys and his brothers Thomas, William, Arthur, David and Kenneth all served in the DF and all completed tours of duty in UNIFIL and some served in other missions.
He was repatriated on Wed 24 May and taken from Dublin Airport to St Patrick’s Church, Corduff. He was laid to rest in Ladyswell Cemetery Mulhuddart following Requiem Mass on 25 May.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dhílis.
Photo Sgt Charles Forrester, credit Military Archives.
