William James Godfrey

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Grave/Memorial:  		Godfrey, William J

16 June 1876, Thorpe, Surrey

Agnes (née Godfrey) [BB]

2nd Battalion, East Surrey Regiment

4756 / 18443

Colour Serjeant

21 July 1916, age 40

St John’s Cemetery, Woking, Surrey 		   

Biography:
William James Godfrey was born on 16 June 1876 at Thorpe, Surrey. He was the son of Agnes Godfrey. On his marriage certificate,
his father is given as James Godfrey (deceased), but this is probably a little bit of fiction. On his Army attestation form,
his next of kin is stated as ‘his father Frederick Thatcher, Thorpe Green, Surrey’.

William enlisted with the East Surrey Regiment on 14 March 1894, when he was 18. He signed on for seven years (plus eight as a
reserve). His attestation form stated that he was already with the 3rd (territorial) Battalion – which he could have joined at 17. On
18th May, presumably having completed basic training, he joined the 1st Battalion.

William transferred to the 2nd Battalion and served in Malta from December 1894 until October 1895.

In October 1898, the 2nd Battalion was stationed at Inkerman Barracks, replacing the 1st Battalion who had deployed to South
Africa. In October 1899, The 2nd Bn also deployed to South Africa, taking part in the Relief of Ladysmith. William was invalided
home with enteric fever, in May 1900.

On 20 May 1903, William married Annie Hannah Jane Knott, in Christ Church, Woking. They had four children.

After serving for a time with the military police, William became a drill instructor and was promoted to colour-sergeant. After his
fifteen years were up, William extended his service to 22 years. This expired on 14 March 1915; because the First World War had
started, William was allowed to re-enlist, which he did the next day. He proceeded to Dover and carried on his drill instruction.

William James Godfrey died suddenly on 21 July 1916, following pneumonia and jaundice. He was buried with full military
honours, in St John’s cemetery on 27 July.