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{{Short description|WWII Canadian Army officer}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
| name = Harry Wickwire Foster
| name = Harry Wickwire Foster
| image = Major General Harry Wickwire Foster.jpg
| image = Major General Harry Wickwire Foster.jpg
| caption = Harry Foster c. 1944
| caption = Major General Harry Foster in 1944.
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1902|04|02|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1902|04|02|df=y}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1964|08|16|1902|04|02|df=y}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1964|08|16|1902|04|02|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[City of Halifax|Halifax]], [[Nova Scotia]]
| birth_place = [[City of Halifax|Halifax]], [[Nova Scotia]], Canada
| death_place =
| death_place =
| placeofburial = Kentville, Nova Scotia
| placeofburial = Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| placeofburial_label =
| placeofburial_label =
| nickname =
| nickname =
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| branch = {{army|Canada}}
| branch = {{army|Canada}}
| serviceyears = 1924–1952
| serviceyears = 1924–1952
| rank = [[Major general]]
| rank = [[Major general|Major General]]
| unit =
| unit = [[Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)]]
| commands = [[4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards]]<br>
| commands = [[7th Canadian Infantry Brigade|7th Infantry Brigade]]<br />[[1st Canadian Division|1st Infantry Division]]<br />[[4th Canadian Division|4th Armoured Division]]
[[Highland Light Infantry of Canada]]<br>
[[13th Canadian Infantry Brigade]]<br />
[[7th Canadian Infantry Brigade]]<br />
[[1st Canadian Division|1st Canadian Infantry Division]]<br />
⚫
[[4th Canadian Division|4th Canadian (Armoured) Division]]
| battles = [[World War II]]
| battles = [[World War II]]
| awards = [[Commander of the Order of the British Empire]]<br />[[Distinguished Service Order]]<br />[[Mentioned in dispatches]]<br />[[Silver Star]] (United States)<br />[[Legion of Merit]] (United States)<br />[[Legion of Honour]] (France)<br />[[Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (France)|Croix de guerre]] (France)
| awards = [[Commander of the Order of the British Empire]]<br />[[Distinguished Service Order]]<br />[[Mentioned in dispatches]]<br />[[Silver Star]] (United States)<br />[[Legion of Merit]] (United States)<br />[[Legion of Honour]] (France)<br />[[Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (France)|Croix de guerre]] (France)
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==Military career==
==Military career==
Having failed his third year, but with a Certificate of Military Qualification (which all cadets earned when they finished two full years at RMC) Foster withdrew from RMC to receive the King's commission and a posting to the [[Permanent Active Militia|Permanent Force (PF)]] with [[Lord Strathcona's Horse]] on July 2, 1924.<ref name="Caravaggio">{{cite web | url=http://scholars.wlu.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2074&context=etd&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3Dgeneral%2520%2522harry%2520foster%2522%2520canada%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D46%26ved%3D0CEwQFjAFOCg%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fscholars.wlu.ca%252Fcgi%252Fviewcontent.cgi%253Farticle%253D2074%2526context%253Detd%26ei%3Diw0kULyVF6aK6QGgr4CACw%26usg%3DAFQjCNErfHWebzNvhapvpnntrE-vOBclBw#search=%22general%20harry%20foster%20canada%22 | title=Commanding the Green Centre Line in Normandy: A Case Study of Division Command in the Second World War | publisher=Wilfrid Laurier University | year=2009 | accessdate=August 9, 2012 | author=Caravaggio, Angelo N. | pages=351}}</ref> As a young officer, he spent considerable time in debt: the army paid only for saddle, harness, and stabling. He had to pay for his own horse (which cost nearly a month's salary) and for mess, uniforms, and tailoring.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://usswashington.com/worldwar2plus55/dl30au39_10_4.htm | title=World War II plus 55: THE LAST WEEK – THE ROAD TO WAR | accessdate=August 9, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127061727/http://usswashington.com/worldwar2plus55/dl30au39_10_4.htm | archive-date=November 27, 2012 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
Having failed his third year, but with a Certificate of Military Qualification (which all cadets earned when they finished two full years at RMC) Foster withdrew from RMC to receive the King's commission and a posting to the [[Permanent Active Militia|Permanent Force (PF)]] with [[Lord Strathcona's Horse]] on July 2, 1924.<ref name="Caravaggio">{{cite web | url=http://scholars.wlu.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2074&context=etd&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3Dgeneral%2520%2522harry%2520foster%2522%2520canada%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D46%26ved%3D0CEwQFjAFOCg%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fscholars.wlu.ca%252Fcgi%252Fviewcontent.cgi%253Farticle%253D2074%2526context%253Detd%26ei%3Diw0kULyVF6aK6QGgr4CACw%26usg%3DAFQjCNErfHWebzNvhapvpnntrE-vOBclBw#search=%22general%20harry%20foster%20canada%22 | title=Commanding the Green Centre Line in Normandy: A Case Study of Division Command in the Second World War | publisher=Wilfrid Laurier University | year=2009 | access-date=August 9, 2012 | author=Caravaggio, Angelo N. | pages=351}}</ref> As a young officer, he spent years in debt: the army paid only for saddle, harness, and stabling. He had to pay for his own horse (which cost nearly a month's salary) and for mess, uniforms, and tailoring.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://usswashington.com/worldwar2plus55/dl30au39_10_4.htm | title=World War II plus 55: THE LAST WEEK – THE ROAD TO WAR | access-date=August 9, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127061727/http://usswashington.com/worldwar2plus55/dl30au39_10_4.htm | archive-date=November 27, 2012 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref>


[[File:The Life and work Edward G Malindine, Photojournalist and Official Army Photographer 1906 - 1970 HU102819.jpg|thumb|left|Field Marshal [[Bernard Montgomery|Sir Bernard Montgomery]] poses for a group photograph with members of his staff, along with his corps and division commanders, at Walbeck, Germany, 22 March 1945. Pictured standing in the third row, fifth from the right, is Major General Harry Foster.]]
⚫
By 1934 he held the rank of [[Captain (land)|captain]]. He attended the [[Staff College, Camberley]], from 1937 to 1939 and was promoted to major and posted as [[brigade major]] of 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade at the outbreak of the Second World War.


⚫
By 1934 he held the rank of [[Captain (land)|captain]]. He attended the [[Staff College, Camberley]], from 1937 to 1939 and was promoted to major and posted as [[brigade major]] of the [[1st Canadian Infantry Brigade]] at the outbreak of the Second World War.
⚫
In 1941, promoted to [[lieutenant-colonel]], Foster assumed command of [[4th Reconnaissance Battalion (4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards)]], the recently activated scout formation assigned to 1st Canadian Infantry Division in England. In 1942, he was appointed commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, [[The Highland Light Infantry of Canada]].<ref name="Caravaggio" />


⚫
In 1941, promoted to [[lieutenant colonel]], Foster assumed command of [[4th Reconnaissance Battalion (4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards)]], the recently activated scout formation assigned to 1st Canadian Infantry Division in England. In 1942, he was appointed commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, [[The Highland Light Infantry of Canada]].<ref name="Caravaggio" />
⚫
He led Canadian troops in the [[Kiska]] campaign in 1943 ([[Operation Cottage]]), for which he was awarded the American Legion of Merit. Unknown to the Allies, the Japanese had withdrawn three weeks before the attack. Foster commented in his diary "I feel bloody silly coming all this way for nothing."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rusi.ca/Canada's%20Unknown%20War.htm | title=Canada's Unknown War | accessdate=August 9, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821045201/http://www.rusi.ca/Canada's%20Unknown%20War.htm | archive-date=August 21, 2012 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref>


⚫
He led Canadian troops of the [[13th Canadian Infantry Brigade]] in the [[Kiska]] campaign in 1943 ([[Operation Cottage]]), for which he was awarded the American Legion of Merit. Unknown to the Allies, the Japanese had withdrawn three weeks before the attack. Foster commented in his diary "I feel bloody silly coming all this way for nothing."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rusi.ca/Canada's%20Unknown%20War.htm | title=Canada's Unknown War | access-date=August 9, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821045201/http://www.rusi.ca/Canada's%20Unknown%20War.htm | archive-date=August 21, 2012 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
⚫
[[File:Major General Harry Wickwire Foster Medals.jpg|thumb|left|240px|The miniature medals of Major General Harry Foster]]


[[File:1st Canadian generals.jpg|thumb|right|Senior commanders of the [[First Canadian Army]], May 1945. Seated from the left: [[Stanisław Maczek]] (Polish Army), [[Guy Simonds]], [[Harry Crerar]], [[Charles Foulkes (Canadian Army officer)|Charles Foulkes]], [[Bert Hoffmeister]]. Standing from the left: [[Ralph Holley Keefler|Ralph Keefler]], [[Bruce Matthews (Canadian Army officer)|Bruce Matthews]], Harry Foster, [[Robert Moncel]] (standing in for [[Christopher Vokes|Chris Vokes]]), [[Stuart Blundell Rawlins|Stuart Rawlins]] (British Army).]]
⚫
In 1943, he was promoted to brigadier and became the commanding officer of the [[7th Canadian Infantry Brigade]].<ref name="Caravaggio" /> which landed on Juno beach on D-Day.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=16915.0 |title=3rd Canadian Infantry Division on D Day |accessdate=August 9, 2012}}</ref>


⚫
In 1943, he was promoted to [[brigadier]] and became the commanding officer of the [[7th Canadian Infantry Brigade]].<ref name="Caravaggio" /> which landed on Juno beach on D-Day.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=16915.0 |title=3rd Canadian Infantry Division on D Day |access-date=August 9, 2012}}</ref>
⚫
In 1944 he was promoted to [[major general]] and took over [[4th Canadian (Armoured) Division]] in Normandy relieving [[George Kitching]]. On September 12, 1944, he entered the historic city of [[Bruges]] (Belgium) with his troops. The liberation of this medieval town was done successfully, without fight or damage. In recognition for this achievement, Foster was named an honorary citizen of Bruges, an award bestowed upon only two people since 1900: Foster and [[Hendrik Brugmans]], first rector of the [[College of Europe]].
⚫
Later, swapping commands with [[Christopher Vokes|Chris Vokes]] (because Vokes had a poor relationship with new [[I Canadian Corps]] commander [[Charles Foulkes (Canadian Army general)|Charles Foulkes]]),<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.legionmagazine.com/en/index.php/2010/04/operation-chuckle-no-laughing-matter-army-part-87/ | title=Operation Chuckle: No Laughing Matter: Army, Part 87 | publisher=Legion Magazine | date=April 10, 2010 | accessdate=August 9, 2012 | author=Copp, Terry}}</ref> he led the [[1st Canadian Infantry Division]] in Italy, then returned with this division to [[Northwestern Europe|North-West Europe]] as part of [[Operation Goldflake]].


⚫
In 1944 he was promoted to [[major general]] and took over [[4th Canadian (Armoured) Division]] in Normandy, relieving [[George Kitching]]. On September 12, 1944, he entered the historic city of [[Bruges]] (Belgium) with his troops. The liberation of this medieval town was done successfully, without fight or damage. In recognition for this achievement, Foster was named an honorary citizen of Bruges, an award bestowed upon only two people since 1900: Foster and [[Hendrik Brugmans]], first rector of the [[College of Europe]].
⚫
Foster was said to have had a "hands off" style and loathed paperwork.<ref name="Caravaggio 352">{{cite web | url=http://scholars.wlu.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2074&context=etd&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3Dgeneral%2520%2522harry%2520foster%2522%2520canada%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D46%26ved%3D0CEwQFjAFOCg%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fscholars.wlu.ca%252Fcgi%252Fviewcontent.cgi%253Farticle%253D2074%2526context%253Detd%26ei%3Diw0kULyVF6aK6QGgr4CACw%26usg%3DAFQjCNErfHWebzNvhapvpnntrE-vOBclBw#search=%22general%20harry%20foster%20canada%22 | title=Commanding the Green Centre Line in Normandy: A Case Study of Division Command in the Second World War | publisher=Wilfrid Laurier University | year=2009 | accessdate=August 9, 2012 | author=Caravaggio, Angelo N. | pages=352}}</ref>

⚫
[[File:Major General Harry Wickwire Foster Medals.jpg|thumb|left|240px|The miniature medals of Major General Harry Foster.]]

⚫
Later, swapping commands with [[Christopher Vokes|Chris Vokes]] (because Vokes had a poor relationship with new [[I Canadian Corps]] commander [[Charles Foulkes (Canadian Army officer)|Charles Foulkes]]),<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.legionmagazine.com/en/index.php/2010/04/operation-chuckle-no-laughing-matter-army-part-87/ | title=Operation Chuckle: No Laughing Matter: Army, Part 87 | publisher=Legion Magazine | date=April 10, 2010 | access-date=August 9, 2012 | author=Copp, Terry}}</ref> he led the [[1st Canadian Infantry Division]] in Italy, then returned with this division to [[Northwestern Europe|North-West Europe]] as part of [[Operation Goldflake]].

⚫
Foster was said to have had a "hands off" style and loathed paperwork.<ref name="Caravaggio 352">{{cite web | url=http://scholars.wlu.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2074&context=etd&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3Dgeneral%2520%2522harry%2520foster%2522%2520canada%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D46%26ved%3D0CEwQFjAFOCg%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fscholars.wlu.ca%252Fcgi%252Fviewcontent.cgi%253Farticle%253D2074%2526context%253Detd%26ei%3Diw0kULyVF6aK6QGgr4CACw%26usg%3DAFQjCNErfHWebzNvhapvpnntrE-vOBclBw#search=%22general%20harry%20foster%20canada%22 | title=Commanding the Green Centre Line in Normandy: A Case Study of Division Command in the Second World War | publisher=Wilfrid Laurier University | year=2009 | access-date=August 9, 2012 | author=Caravaggio, Angelo N. | pages=352}}</ref>

Foster was appointed a Companion of the [[Distinguished Service Order]] in January 1945<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=36917|page=679|date=30 January 1945|supp=y}}</ref> and appointed a [[Commander of the Order of the British Empire]] in July 1945.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=37161|page=3490|date=3 July 1945|supp=y}}</ref>


==Post-war==
==Post-war==
After the war, Foster (with four brigadiers) presided over the [[court martial]] of Canada's top prisoner of war, SS General [[Kurt Meyer (Panzermeyer)|Kurt Meyer]]. The trial was a showcase for Canada, the first time<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,797732,00.html | title=War Crimes: The Sentence | publisher=Time | date=Jan 7, 1946 | accessdate=August 9, 2012}}</ref> that the country had conducted an international prosecution of this sort. Meyer was found guilty of three of five charges and sentenced to death. The sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. When asked by his son (author Tony Foster) why the death sentence had been imposed he replied, "Because I had no choice according to those rules of warfare dreamt up by a bunch of bloody barrack-room lawyers who had never heard a shot fired in anger."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.booksincanada.com/article_view.asp?id=32 | title=Taking No Prisoners | publisher=Books In Canada | accessdate=August 9, 2012 | author=Stickney, Kenneth}}</ref>
After the war, Foster (with four brigadiers) presided over the [[court martial]] of Canada's top prisoner of war, SS General [[Kurt Meyer (Panzermeyer)|Kurt Meyer]]. The trial was a showcase for Canada, the first time<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,797732,00.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626065011/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,797732,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=June 26, 2010 | title=War Crimes: The Sentence | publisher=Time | date=Jan 7, 1946 | access-date=August 9, 2012}}</ref> that the country had conducted an international prosecution of this sort. Meyer was found guilty of three of five charges and sentenced to death. The sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. When asked by his son (author Tony Foster) why the death sentence had been imposed he replied, "Because I had no choice according to those rules of warfare dreamt up by a bunch of bloody barrack-room lawyers who had never heard a shot fired in anger."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.booksincanada.com/article_view.asp?id=32 | title=Taking No Prisoners | publisher=Books In Canada | access-date=August 9, 2012 | author=Stickney, Kenneth}}</ref>


Foster organized and commanded Eastern Army Command from 1946. Upon retirement in 1952 he took the civilian appointment of chief administrator of the Central European District, [[Imperial War Graves Commission]]. In 1959, he married his third wife [[Mona Parsons|Mona Leonhart (née Parsons)]], a Canadian spy for the Dutch Resistance during the Second World War, and was appointed honorary [[aide-de-camp]] to Governor General [[Georges Vanier]].
Foster organized and commanded [[Eastern Command (Canada)]] from 1946. Upon retirement in 1952 he took the civilian appointment of chief administrator of the Central European District, [[Imperial War Graves Commission]]. In 1959, he married his third wife [[Mona Parsons|Mona Leonhart (née Parsons)]], a Canadian spy for the Dutch Resistance during the Second World War, and was appointed honorary [[aide-de-camp]] to Governor General [[Georges Vanier]].


Harry Foster had two sons, Anthony (Tony) Foster and David Foster. Tony Foster wrote a biography of his father's life, with particular emphasis on his interactions with Kurt Meyer, both on the battlefield and in the courtroom. Entitled ''Meeting of Generals'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6483281-meeting-of-generals|title=Meeting of Generals|website=www.goodreads.com|access-date=2018-12-01}}</ref> the book won Canada's Evelyn Richardson Memorial Non-Fiction Award and the Canadian Authors Association Award for best Non-Fiction in 1987.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.writers.ns.ca/wfns-book-prizes/evelyn-richardson-memorial-non-fiction-award.html|title=Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia|website=www.writers.ns.ca|language=en|access-date=2018-12-01}}</ref>
Harry Foster had two sons, Anthony (Tony) Foster and David Foster. Tony Foster wrote a biography of his father's life, with particular emphasis on his interactions with Kurt Meyer, both on the battlefield and in the courtroom. Entitled ''Meeting of Generals'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6483281-meeting-of-generals|title=Meeting of Generals|website=www.goodreads.com|access-date=2018-12-01}}</ref> the book won Canada's Evelyn Richardson Memorial Non-Fiction Award and the Canadian Authors Association Award for best Non-Fiction in 1987.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.writers.ns.ca/wfns-book-prizes/evelyn-richardson-memorial-non-fiction-award.html|title=Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia|website=www.writers.ns.ca|language=en|access-date=2018-12-01|archive-date=2018-12-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202024716/https://www.writers.ns.ca/wfns-book-prizes/evelyn-richardson-memorial-non-fiction-award.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


The Foster family donated Harry's military uniforms, medals, battle maps and other historical items of interest to the [http://www.armymuseumhalifax.ca Army Museum of the Halifax Citadel] where they are part of the WWII display.
The Foster family donated Harry's military uniforms, medals, battle maps and other historical items of interest to the [http://www.armymuseumhalifax.ca Army Museum of the Halifax Citadel] where they are part of the WWII display.


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==References==
==References==
* {{cite book| title=The Generals| url=https://archive.org/details/generalscanadian0000gran| url-access=registration| first= Jack | last=Granatstein | authorlink=Jack Granatstein | year=1993| publisher=Stoddart Publishing| isbn=0-7737-2730-2}}
* {{cite book| title=The Generals| url=https://archive.org/details/generalscanadian0000gran| url-access=registration| first= Jack | last=Granatstein | author-link=Jack Granatstein | year=1993| publisher=Stoddart Publishing| isbn=0-7737-2730-2}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{Commons}}

{{Portal|War}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110713202842/http://www.lextec.com/Major%20General%20Harry%20Wickwire%20Foster.html Harry Foster]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110713202842/http://www.lextec.com/Major%20General%20Harry%20Wickwire%20Foster.html Harry Foster]
*[https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/07/gen-harry-foster-of-canada-was-62.html New York Times Obituary]
*[https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/07/gen-harry-foster-of-canada-was-62.html New York Times Obituary]
*[https://archive.today/20080325064445/http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2005/10/16/1264932-cp.html Retrospective of Meyer's trial]
*{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20080325064445/http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2005/10/16/1264932-cp.html Retrospective of Meyer's trial]}}
*[http://ww2db.com/image.php?image_id=6662 Picture with Mackenzie King]
*[http://ww2db.com/image.php?image_id=6662 Picture with Mackenzie King]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110609171254/http://www.histori.ca/minutes/minute.do?id=14740 Video History Minute Mona Parsons]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110609171254/http://www.histori.ca/minutes/minute.do?id=14740 Video History Minute Mona Parsons]
*[http://www.rmcclub.ca/everitaswp/?p=5891 Anecdote why he never served in Ottawa]{{dead link|date=May 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
*[http://www.rmcclub.ca/everitaswp/?p=5891 Anecdote why he never served in Ottawa]{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
*[https://www.generals.dk/general/Foster/Harry_Wickwire/Canada.html Generals of World War II]


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{{s-start}}
== See also ==
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{{s-mil}}
*[[List of Bishop's College School alumni]]
{{s-bef|before=[[George Kitching]]}}

{{s-ttl|title=[[4th Canadian Division|GOC 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division]]|years=August–November 1944}}
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{{S-start}}
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{{s-aft|after=[[Christopher Vokes]]}}
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{{S-mil}}
|-
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{{Succession box|title=[[General Officer Commanding|GOC]] [[4th Canadian (Armoured) Division]] |
before= Major General [[George Kitching]] |
{{s-bef|before=[[Christopher Vokes]]}}
⚫
{{s-ttl|title=[[1st Canadian Division|GOC 1st Canadian Infantry Division]]|years=1944–1945}}
⚫
after= Major General [[Christopher Vokes|Chris Vokes]] |
{{s-aft|after=Post disbanded}}
years= August 21, 1944 – November 30, 1944}}
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{{s-end}}
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{{Succession box|title=[[General Officer Commanding|GOC]] [[1st Canadian Infantry Division]] |
before= Major General Chris Vokes |
after= ??? |
years= December 1, 1944 – September 15, 1945}}
⚫
{{S-end}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Foster, Harry}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Foster, Harry Wickwire}}
[[Category:1902 births]]
[[Category:1902 births]]
[[Category:1964 deaths]]
[[Category:1964 deaths]]
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[[Category:Canadian generals]]
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[[Category:Canadian military personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:Canadian Commanders of the Order of the British Empire]]
[[Category:Canadian Commanders of the Order of the British Empire]]
[[Category:Canadian Companions of the Distinguished Service Order]]
[[Category:Canadian Companions of the Distinguished Service Order]]
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[[Category:Military history of Canada]]
[[Category:Royal Military College of Canada alumni]]
[[Category:Royal Military College of Canada alumni]]
[[Category:Bishop's College School alumni]]
[[Category:Bishop's College School alumni]]
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[[Category:Recipients of the Silver Star]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Silver Star]]
[[Category:Officers of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:Officers of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:Operation Overlord people]]
[[Category:Officers of the Legion of Honour]]
[[Category:Officiers of the Légion d'honneur]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Croix de Guerre 1939–1945 (France)]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Croix de Guerre 1939–1945 (France)]]
[[Category:McGill University alumni]]
[[Category:McGill University alumni]]
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[[Category:Canadian generals]]
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[[Category:Canadian Army generals of World War II]]
[[Category:Foreign recipients of the Silver Star]]
[[Category:Foreign recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:Lord Strathcona's Horse officers]]
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[[Category:Military personnel from Halifax, Nova Scotia]]
[[Category:4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards]]

Latest revision as of 18:15, 14 April 2024

Harry Wickwire Foster
Major General Harry Foster in 1944.
Born(1902-04-02)2 April 1902
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Died16 August 1964(1964-08-16) (aged 62)
Buried
Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada
Allegiance Kanada
Service/branch Canadian Army
Years of service1924–1952
RankMajor General
UnitLord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
Commands held4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards

Highland Light Infantry of Canada
13th Canadian Infantry Brigade
7th Canadian Infantry Brigade
1st Canadian Infantry Division

4th Canadian (Armoured) Division
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsCommander of the Order of the British Empire
Distinguished Service Order
Mentioned in dispatches
Silver Star (United States)
Legion of Merit (United States)
Legion of Honour (France)
Croix de guerre (France)

Major General Harry Wickwire Foster CBE, DSO (April 2, 1902 – August 6, 1964) was a senior Canadian Army officer who commanded two Canadian divisions during World War II. He served in both the Pacific and European theatres.

Early life

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Born in Halifax, he was the son of Major General Gilbert Lafayette Foster, who had been the director general of the medical services of the First World War. Foster was educated at King's College at Windsor, Nova Scotia as a cadet. He attended school at Berkhamsted, England; Bishop's College School in Lennoxville, Quebec; Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, Ontario; and McGill University, Montreal.

Military career

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Having failed his third year, but with a Certificate of Military Qualification (which all cadets earned when they finished two full years at RMC) Foster withdrew from RMC to receive the King's commission and a posting to the Permanent Force (PF) with Lord Strathcona's Horse on July 2, 1924.[1] As a young officer, he spent years in debt: the army paid only for saddle, harness, and stabling. He had to pay for his own horse (which cost nearly a month's salary) and for mess, uniforms, and tailoring.[2]

Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery poses for a group photograph with members of his staff, along with his corps and division commanders, at Walbeck, Germany, 22 March 1945. Pictured standing in the third row, fifth from the right, is Major General Harry Foster.

By 1934 he held the rank of captain. He attended the Staff College, Camberley, from 1937 to 1939 and was promoted to major and posted as brigade major of the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade at the outbreak of the Second World War.

In 1941, promoted to lieutenant colonel, Foster assumed command of 4th Reconnaissance Battalion (4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards), the recently activated scout formation assigned to 1st Canadian Infantry Division in England. In 1942, he was appointed commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry of Canada.[1]

He led Canadian troops of the 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade in the Kiska campaign in 1943 (Operation Cottage), for which he was awarded the American Legion of Merit. Unknown to the Allies, the Japanese had withdrawn three weeks before the attack. Foster commented in his diary "I feel bloody silly coming all this way for nothing."[3]

Senior commanders of the First Canadian Army, May 1945. Seated from the left: Stanisław Maczek (Polish Army), Guy Simonds, Harry Crerar, Charles Foulkes, Bert Hoffmeister. Standing from the left: Ralph Keefler, Bruce Matthews, Harry Foster, Robert Moncel (standing in for Chris Vokes), Stuart Rawlins (British Army).

In 1943, he was promoted to brigadier and became the commanding officer of the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade.[1] which landed on Juno beach on D-Day.[4]

In 1944 he was promoted to major general and took over 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division in Normandy, relieving George Kitching. On September 12, 1944, he entered the historic city of Bruges (Belgium) with his troops. The liberation of this medieval town was done successfully, without fight or damage. In recognition for this achievement, Foster was named an honorary citizen of Bruges, an award bestowed upon only two people since 1900: Foster and Hendrik Brugmans, first rector of the College of Europe.

The miniature medals of Major General Harry Foster.

Later, swapping commands with Chris Vokes (because Vokes had a poor relationship with new I Canadian Corps commander Charles Foulkes),[5] he led the 1st Canadian Infantry Division in Italy, then returned with this division to North-West Europe as part of Operation Goldflake.

Foster was said to have had a "hands off" style and loathed paperwork.[6]

Foster was appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order in January 1945[7] and appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in July 1945.[8]

Post-war

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After the war, Foster (with four brigadiers) presided over the court martial of Canada's top prisoner of war, SS General Kurt Meyer. The trial was a showcase for Canada, the first time[9] that the country had conducted an international prosecution of this sort. Meyer was found guilty of three of five charges and sentenced to death. The sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. When asked by his son (author Tony Foster) why the death sentence had been imposed he replied, "Because I had no choice according to those rules of warfare dreamt up by a bunch of bloody barrack-room lawyers who had never heard a shot fired in anger."[10]

Foster organized and commanded Eastern Command (Canada) from 1946. Upon retirement in 1952 he took the civilian appointment of chief administrator of the Central European District, Imperial War Graves Commission. In 1959, he married his third wife Mona Leonhart (née Parsons), a Canadian spy for the Dutch Resistance during the Second World War, and was appointed honorary aide-de-camp to Governor General Georges Vanier.

Harry Foster had two sons, Anthony (Tony) Foster and David Foster. Tony Foster wrote a biography of his father's life, with particular emphasis on his interactions with Kurt Meyer, both on the battlefield and in the courtroom. Entitled Meeting of Generals,[11] the book won Canada's Evelyn Richardson Memorial Non-Fiction Award and the Canadian Authors Association Award for best Non-Fiction in 1987.[12]

The Foster family donated Harry's military uniforms, medals, battle maps and other historical items of interest to the Army Museum of the Halifax Citadel where they are part of the WWII display.

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c Caravaggio, Angelo N. (2009). "Commanding the Green Centre Line in Normandy: A Case Study of Division Command in the Second World War". Wilfrid Laurier University. p. 351. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  2. ^ "World War II plus 55: THE LAST WEEK – THE ROAD TO WAR". Archived from the original on November 27, 2012. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  3. ^ "Canada's Unknown War". Archived from the original on August 21, 2012. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  4. ^ "3rd Canadian Infantry Division on D Day". Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  5. ^ Copp, Terry (April 10, 2010). "Operation Chuckle: No Laughing Matter: Army, Part 87". Legion Magazine. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  6. ^ Caravaggio, Angelo N. (2009). "Commanding the Green Centre Line in Normandy: A Case Study of Division Command in the Second World War". Wilfrid Laurier University. p. 352. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  7. ^ "No. 36917". The London Gazette (Supplement). 30 January 1945. p. 679.
  8. ^ "No. 37161". The London Gazette (Supplement). 3 July 1945. p. 3490.
  9. ^ "War Crimes: The Sentence". Time. Jan 7, 1946. Archived from the original on June 26, 2010. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  10. ^ Stickney, Kenneth. "Taking No Prisoners". Books In Canada. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  11. ^ "Meeting of Generals". www.goodreads.com. Retrieved 2018-12-01.
  12. ^ "Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia". www.writers.ns.ca. Archived from the original on 2018-12-02. Retrieved 2018-12-01.

References

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Harry Wickwire Foster.
Military offices
Preceded by GOC 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division
August–November 1944 		Succeeded by
Preceded by GOC 1st Canadian Infantry Division
1944–1945 		Succeeded by
Post disbanded
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