MINI BIO

Samuel worked as a gold amalgamator following school.  He was a volunteer with the Sailor's Friend Society and was also served in the Territorial Force.
Enlisting in the NZEF, he embarked with the Field Engineers.
He served at Gallipoli and was medically evacuated twice. 
By 1918, he had been promoted to sergeant in the NZ Engineers.
While on temporary attachment to 2nd Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment  he played a key role in eliminating a machine gun nest that was holding up the advance of his battalion and was killed by a sniper.  
After the battle he was recommended for the Victoria Cross.
Forsyth's wife, Mary, was presented with the Victoria Cross by King George V. .

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LONDON GAZETTE

No. 30967

18 October 1918

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For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. On nearing the objective, his company came under heavy machine-gun fire. Through Serjt. Forsyth's dashing leadership and total disregard of danger, three machine-gun positions were rushed and the crews taken prisoner before they could inflict many casualties on our troops. During subsequent advance his company came under heavy fire from several machine guns, two of which he located by a daring reconnaissance. In his endeavour to gain support from a Tank, he was wounded, but after having the wound bandaged, he again got in touch with the Tank, which in the face of very heavy fire from machine guns and anti-Tank guns, he endeavoured to lead with magnificent coolness to a favourable position. The Tank, however, was put out of action. Serjt. Forsyth then organised the Tank crew and several of his men into a section, and led them to a position where the machine guns could be outflanked. Always under heavy fire, he directed them into positions which brought about a retirement of the enemy machine guns and enabled the advance to continue. This gallant N.C.O. was at that moment killed by a sniper. From the commencement of the attack until the time of his death Serjt. Forsyth's courage and coolness, combined with great power of initiative proved an invaluable incentive to all who were with him and he undoubtedly saved many casualties among his comrades.