George Godfrey
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
George Godfrey was 1 of 7 children born to Fred and Ellen Godfrey, all born in Worksop. George was born 1898, his siblings being Fred 1889, Elizabeth 1890, Florrie 1893, Sabine 1894, John 1896 and Edwin 1898.The father, Fred, was a butcher with his own shop. In 1902, the mother of the family died aged 42 and only five years later, her husband, Fred also died age 48. The family continued to live in the family house, at 70 Portland Street, in Worksop, and Fred junior (being the eldest) carried on with the butchers business. George secured employment in the gardens at Osberton and previously had been engaged at Worksop Manor. When the war started, Fred, Edwin and George all enlisted in the army.
Pte George Godfrey Worksop Guardian 27 September 1918 Some months ago we reported that Pte Fred Godfrey, eldest son of the late Mr and Mrs Godfrey, Portland Street, Worksop, after being missing for some weeks was now a prisoner of war in Germany, where he still is, and this week we record with great regret that his brother, Pte George Godfrey has been killed in action. The information shows that the end came on Aug 11th last. The first intimation his sisters had, was contained in a letter from Pte J McGreggor, of the same regiment, the Royal Scots, who forwarded a pocket book containing a number of drawings from which he had picked up beside the body of a dead soldier, who he recognised as Pte Godfrey. His sister at once wrote to his commanding officer and received the following letter in reply:- “Dear Miss Godfrey, I am indeed sorry to have to confirm the news you have already about your brother, Pte Godfrey of this Battalion. He was killed along with many of his comrades on 11th August during a most gallant advance. I have known Pte Godfrey for some considerable time now and I can assure you he is greatly missed by his comrades and officers. Although young, he was always a good soldier, cheerful and always a favourite amongst all his company. Please accept the most sincere sympathy of his officers and friends in the company, yours sincerely, George Denholm, Lieut.” We are sure that Miss Godfrey, her sisters and brothers, have the true sympathy of the people of Worksop in their great sorrow. It is well known how bravely the late soldier and his brother, now a prisoner in Germany, worked to maintain their younger brothers and sisters, Mr and Mrs Godfrey dying and leaving a young family behind them. Before enlisting, Pte Godfrey was employed in the gardens at Osberton and previously had been engaged at Worksop Manor. He came of age the day before he was killed. Since Lieut Denholm’s letter, the official intimation of his death has been received. He was a good brave lad and will be much missed by all who knew him. Pte Fred Godfrey was wounded when taken prisoner, but says he is now alright, though he asks for parcels of food. A younger brother, Pte Edwin Godfrey, K.O.Y.L.I. has seen service in Salonica and is now in France.
CWG additional information:- Son of the late Fred and Ellen Godfrey, of Worksop, Notts. His brother, Edwin Godfrey of the KOYLI also died in France on 17 Oct 1918 George is buried in Bouchoir New British Cemetery, France A headstone of remembrance, bearing the details of the deaths of George and brother Edwin, stands within the grave of their parents in Worksop Cemetery. Research by Colin Dannatt
