James Douglas Forster was born on 21 October 1894 at Swalwell, Gateshead, County Durham, the second of eight surviving children of James Forster, a machinist in an ordnance works, and his wife Isabella (née Forster, a cousin).  In the 1911 census, James Douglas was recorded under his middle name as an apprentice in an engine shop.

He joined the Royal Navy on 4 April 1917 at Portsmouth as a Acting Engine Room Artificer 4th class, giving his previous occupation as fitter and turner.  On 26 June he was drafted to the submarine depot HMS DOLPHIN but there is no indication he actually served in submarines.  His service record notes that he died suddenly on 21 October 1917 ‘after hurrying to catch boat’.  He is buried at Whickham (Garden House) Cemetery, Gateshead.