Albert Bernard Laurence Godson
He attended High Pavement School. 1911 - apprentice (shipping house).
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Albert Bernard Laurence Godson, known as Bernard, was the son of Albert Harry and Emma Godson (née Kirk).
His father Albert was born in Mansfield in 1866, the son of John Henry and Ellen Maria Godson, and was baptised at Mansfield St John the Evangelist on 15 February the same year. His mother Emma was born in Nottingham in October 1869, the daughter of Evaline Ellen and George Kirk.
Albert and Emma were married at Christ Church (?Nottingham) in December 1886 and had two children who were born in Nottingham: Albert Bernard Lawrence b. 1893 AMJ and Nora Evelena b. January 1900.
Albert, a chemist's assistant, his wife and their children Bernard (7) and Nora (1), were living at 118 Robin Hood Chase in 1901. The family had moved to 52 Cedar Road, Sherwood Rise, by 1911: Albert, an under-manager (chemist's), Emma, Bernard an apprentice (shipping house) and Nora who was at school. The family was still living at 52 Cedar Road when Bernard was killed in action in August 1917.
Nora married Francis H Phillips (b. 1893 Bayswater, London) at Nottingham St Andrew on 25 August 1919. Francis, an accountant, was living on Woodborough Road, Nottingham, while Nora was living with her family at 52 Cedar Road.
Francis, an accountant for Amos Tatham Needle Co. a hosiery and textile needle manufacturer, Nora and their only child, Peggy Godson (b. July 1920), were living at 51 Percival Road, Sherwood, in 1921.
By 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled, Albert, a retired drug manager, and his wife were living at 8 Wiverton Road, Sherwood Rise. Also in the home were their daughter Nora Phillips and granddaughter, Peggy, a librarian. Both Nora and her daughter were ARP Wardens, 'casualty store (-)'. Nora's husband Frank has not been traced on the 1939 Register, and the last record found to date was the inclusion of his name on an 'In Memoriam' notice to his brother-in-law in 1927.
Peggy died on 28 February 1942 aged 21. Her grandmother, Emma Godson, died on 8 October 1946 and her husband the following year on 3 June. The family home was still at 8 Wiverton Road in 1947.
Nora Phillips has not yet been traced after 1947.
Albert Bernard Lawrence Godson enlisted in September 1914 and served initially in the Sherwood Foresters, Notts & Derby Regiment (2721 Private, Acting Corporal). He was commissioned second lieutenant on 21 November 1916 and transferred to the 9th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment.
Albert served in France from 1917 and was reported killed in action on 3 August 1917. He was buried in Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery, France (grave ref. B 19).
He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Nottinghamshire Weekly Express, ‘Marriages’, 24 December 1886: ‘Godson-Kirk. At Christ Church (-) on the 27th Dec., by the Rev. Hodges, Albert Harry Godson, son of John Henry Godson, of Calverton, to Emma Kirk, daughter of George Kirk, of (-)-road, Nottingham.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
CWGC Additional information: Son of Albert Harry Godson, of 52, Cedar Rd., Sherwood Rise, Nottingham.
CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'Too dearly loved to be forgotten'
Nottingham General Cemetery, Kirk family grave/headstone inscription:
Face 1. In loving memory of Evalina Ellen, wife of George Kirk, who passed peacefully away at the close of the 11th day of February 1899, aged 63 years. 'A faithful wife, a loving mother, and a true friend.' Tablet below: In ever loving memory of Peggy Godson Phillips, dearly loved only child of Nora Phillips, passed away Feb. 28th 1942 aged 21 years. 'Willing hands and tireless feet, with life's sweet service scarce begun; dear girlish ways, and tender smiles; and loving soul that gave its best.'
Face 2. In affectionate remembrance of George Kirk, who departed this life on the 18th day of October 1914, in his 82nd year. 'At rest.' Tablet below: In affectionate remembrance of A. Bernard L. Godson, devoted & only son of A.H. & E. Godson, 2nd Lieutenant 9th North Staffs Regiment, who was killed in action, August 3rd, 1918, in his 24th year. ‘A noble life laid down for King and Country.’
Nottingham Evening Post, 9 August 1917: 'Killed. Lieut. A. B. L. Godson. Second-Lieut. A. Bernard L. Godson, North Staffs. Regiment, was killed in action on August 3rd. He was the only son of Mr. A. H. and Mrs. E. Godson, 52, Cedar-road, Nottingham, and was 24 years of age. He was educated at High Pavement Secondary School, and joined the Sherwood Foresters in September, 1914. He obtained a commission in the North Staffordshire Regiment in November, 1916, and proceeded to France in January this year, being wounded in March.'
Above courtesy Jim Grundy facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 3 August 1918: ‘Godson. In memory of Second-Lieut. A.B.L. Godson, killed in action August 3rd, 1917. Not forgotten by his friends Cyril and Les.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 3 August 1921: ‘Godson. In affectionate remembrance of Sec.-Lieut. Albert Bernard Laurence Godson, North Staffs. Regt. Killed in action August 3rd, 1917, interred Kemmel Cemetery, dearly beloved son of Mr and Mrs A Godson, 52 Cedar-road, Cherished memories.’ ((www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, 'In Memoriam', 3 August 1925: from mother and father. Also: 'Godson. In devoted memory of ‘Bernie’ killed in action August 3rd, 1917. He lived and died a gentleman. Loving sister Norah' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Bernard's parents and sister placed 'In Memoriam' notices in the Nottingham Evening Post from 3 August 1924 to 3 August 1927 (inc.), the latter notice also included the name of his brother-in-law, Frank. There was an 'In Memoriam' notice in the same newspaper on 3 August 1937, the twentieth anniversary of Bernard's death, and these then continued, with the exception of 1938, until 3 August 1946 after which they ceased, presumably following his mother's death in October 1946.
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 2 March 1942: Phillips. February 28th, Peggy Godson, died, precious loved only child of Nora Phillips, 8 Wiverton-road, also the dearly-loved grandchild of Mr and Mrs AH Godson. Broken-hearted mother, gran and granpy. Service St John’s Carrington, 2 o’clock, Tuesday.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 10 October 1946: ‘Godson. October 8th, at 8 Wiverton-road, Emma, aged 78, dearly beloved wife of AH Godson and loved mother of Nora. Cremation Wilford Hills, 2 o’clock, Friday. Peace, perfect peace.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 5 June 1947: ‘Godson. On June 3rd, Albert Harry, 8 Wiverton-road, Sherwood-rise, beloved husband of the late Emma, and dearly loved father of Nora. Peace perfect peace. Cremation Wilford Hill.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Additional research/record updated, RF (May 2026)
Albert Bernard Lawrence Godson
Buried in Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery, France. Photograph courtesy of Murray Biddle.
Photo of Albert Bernard Lawrence Godson
Nottingham General Cemetery, commemorated on Kirk family headstone. Photograph Rachel Farrand (14 Oct. 2025)
Photo of Albert Bernard Lawrence Godson
Nottingham General Cemetery, commemorated on Kirk family headstone. Photograph Rachel Farrand (14 Oct. 2025)