Born in 1897 the son of a clergyman, he was educated at Ashville College, Harrogate, where he was captain of games, and at Leeds University where too he was captain of cricket. He was a resident at the Leeds General Infirmary, but after taking the Fellowship went into general practice at Doncaster. Soon however he obtained surgical posts at Rochford, Essex, and then at the North Middlesex Hospital, Edmonton. He was appointed surgeon and deputy superintendent of Oldchurch Hospital, Romford in 1935. Here he developed the hospital, in particular by designing excellent operating suites and securing their construction. Through the war of 1939-45 he served with distinction in the RAMC(T); he commanded the 32nd General Hospital in the Middle East and the 29th in Normandy. He was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and created an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. 'Freddy' Foster was chairman of the South Essex division of the British Medical Association in 1951-52. He enjoyed country pursuits, living latterly at the village of Stock. He died suddenly at Poole, Dorset on 31 August 1961 aged 64, and was survived by his wife, son and daughter.