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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
FOSTER, Robert C. - 86, of Hopkinton, Mass., formerly of Holliston, Mass. and Bear River, distinguished Royal Navy veteran, loving husband and father, died peacefully Thursday, March 15, 2012, in Hopkinton, surrounded by his caring family and his beloved and devoted wife, Clytie. Bob was born in Canning Town, East End of London, G.B., and was the only son of Robert C. Foster and Alice D. Foster. He lived through the bombing of London in the early stages of the Second World War, and eventually entered the Royal Navy Submarine Service at the age of 17. During his tour of duty with the Royal Navy, he served honorably on many submarines, participated in the Battle of the Atlantic, and finished the war boarding the captured German submarine, U-190, off the coast of Newfoundland. While stationed in Digby, he met his future bride and lifelong partner, Clytie. Bob was also an avid British sports car driver and live steam engine enthusiast. He raced in England after the war in single-seater Bugattis and MGs, still owned a number of sports cars, and was a long-time member of the Washakum Live Steam Engine Club. Bob was also known for his keen interest in history, politics, and a lifelong pursuit of classical music and the arts. He and Clytie spent many a weekend night, either at Symphony Hall or Tanglewood, enjoying the wonderful sounds of the Boston Symphony. Bob and Clytie also shared a love for travel and roaming the beaches and remote islands of Nova Scotia together. Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years, Clytie A. (Banks) of Rossway; his children, Robert Foster and his wife, Cindy of Holliston; Clare Lynch of St. Petersburg, Fla.; David Foster of Plymouth; Alice Resker and her husband, Robert Resker of Grafton and Victoria Hart and her husband, James Hart of Hopkinton; and finally 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Bob spent his final years happily traveling back and forth from Nova Scotia to Hopkinton and to Florida. Bob and Clytie shared a life filled with adventure, family and friends. His warm smile and humorous philosophy of life will always be remembered, and greatly missed by those fortunate enough to have known him. Up spirits!! Visitation 7-9 p.m. Friday, March 23rd from Jayne's Funeral Home, 7 Birch St., Digby (245-2525). A private family service will take place with interment in Rossway Baptist Cemetery, Digby Co. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bob may be made to a charity of choice.
Robert was a member of the Submarine Old Comrades Association - before the Submariners Association of Canada East (SAOC(E)) was formed.
Ships served in: HMS/m OBERON - Served in Oberon in 1943 HMS/m P555 HMS/m SEAWOLD HMS/m TERRAPIN HMS/m AFFRAY HMS/m L23 - Was serving in HMS/m L23 when U-190 surrendered. Robert was sent over to U-190 with 5 fellow RN submariners and one officer as part of the crew to bring U-190 to Bay Bulls, and later St. John's, Newfoundland.
Boarding party and crew that brought U-190 to Bay Bulls and later St. John's, Newfoundland
Robert C. Foster, RN submariner, 4th from left with hands in pockets of his overalls
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For Posterity's Sake 
