John William Godrich
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John William was born in 1889 (A/M/J Derby) and was the son of Emily Godrich(née Large) later Webster. He was the brother of Samuel Godrich (poss. b. 1893 O/N/D Derby) and the half-brother of Charles Webster b. 1907 (J/A/S Nottingham). In 1911 the family home was at 13 Lewis Place Rancliffe Street Nottingham. John William married Harriett Wheeldon in 1910 (J/F/M Nottingham) and in 1911 they were living at 8 Brewitt's Yard, Albion Street, Nottingham. Both John (22) and Harriett (20) worked as lace dressers. Godrich's ASR indicates, though, that he and his wife had separated before the war. A letter written by Godrich on 1 July 1916 noted that Harriet had been living with another man who had died six months previously. He wished his mother to receive his separation allowance and she was cited as next of kin throughout the record. However, by April 1918 Harriet Godrich was requesting her late husband's effects which had already been returned to Emily Webster (John Godrich's mother).
217th Coy CWGC incorrectly cites him as Godrick He attested 12 December 1915 under Lord Derby's Scheme. He was mobilised 1 June 1916 standing five feet six and a half inches tall and weighing 140lbs. He embarked for France on 16 March 1917 and was killed in action on 1 April after just two weeks at the front. John has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial (Pier and Face 5 C and 12 C.)
'Emily' Webster's real Christian name was Emma although she was cited as Emily on the 1911 Census and throughout her son's ASR. In O/N/D/1886 she married John Godrich who died in 1901. She married Samuel Webster A/M/J/1904. Research by David Nunn Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 21 May 1917: Godrich. Killed in action, April 1st, Private JW Godrich, MGC, aged 28. So sad but so true we cannot tell why, the best are the first that are called to die. Broken-hearted mother, father, and brother Sam (at sea) and Charley.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 21 May 1917: 'Godrich. Killed in action, April 1st, Private JW Godrich, MGC. Gone but not forgotten. Maggie and Nellie.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, 1 June 1917, photograph with caption: ‘Pte. JW Godrich (MGC), 13 Lewis-pl., Nottm, killed in action April 1st.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
