William Edward Forestier-Walker was born in Bushey, Hertfordshire on 17 April 1844, the son of Major-General Edward Forestier-Walker (formerly Walker), who had commanded the Scots Guards in the Crimea and later served as Commander-in-Chief, Scotland in 1862. His mother was Lady Jane Ogilvy-Grant, daughter of Colonel Francis William Ogilvy-Grant, 6th Earl of Seafield.
Commissioned into the Scots Fusilier Guards (renamed Scots Guards in 1877), Forestier-Walker purchased the rank of captain and saw early service as a staff officer. He served in the Cape Frontier Wars and took part in the Zulu War of 1879. Further colonial service followed in Bechuanaland in 1884. His administrative abilities were recognised with his appointment as Commander of British Troops in Egypt in 1890.
During the Boer War he served as General Officer Commanding in Cape Colony, where he was highly praised by Lord Roberts for his efficient organisation of the disembarkation of troops and stores, and for ensuring their rapid movement to the front.
He became Governor of Gibraltar in 1905, and in 1909 was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean as well as High Commissioner. In 1887 he had married Mabel Louisa Ross; they had one son, who continued the family tradition by serving as an officer in the Scots Guards. Sir Frederick died on 30 August 1910.
1862 Lieutenant, Scots Guards, 5 Sep
1865 Captain, 11 Jul
1873 Lieutenant-Colonel, Military Secretary, Cape Colony, 1 Feb
1878 Colonel, 15 Oct
1887 Major-General, 31 Dec
1891 Commander-in-Chief, Egypt (until 1895)
1895 Lieutenant-General, 4 Sep
1902 General, 6 Jul
1905 Colonel of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, 31 Jul
1909 Commander-in-Chief and High Commissioner, Mediterranean, 1 Aug
