John Edward Godber
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John Edward [Edwin] was the son of Edward and Sarah Godber (née Scott). His father Edward was born in Nottingham in 1868, the son of John and Maria Godber. His mother Sarah was born in Nottingham in 1871. Edward and Sarah were married in 1894; the registration of marriage gave Sarah's first name as 'Clara'. According to the 1911 Census, they had had eleven children of whom three had died. Their eldest child John Edward (sic) was born before their marriage, birth registration John Edwin G [?Godber] Scott (1893 A/M/J). The other surviving children were: Tom birth registered 1895 (J/F/M), Ethel b. 1896, Frederick b. 1898, Annie b. 1899, Hilda b. 1902 and Samuel b. 1903. The three children who died in infancy or childhood were: Gertrude b. 1887 bap. Holy Trinity January 1898 d. 1898; Gladys birth registered 1901 (J/F/M) death registered 1901 (J/F/M) and Charles b. 1904 d. 1905. The family was living at 156 Sherwood Street, Nottingham, when Gertrude was baptised in 1898 and still at the same address in 1901. Edward, a groom, and Sarah had five children: Edward (8), Tom (6), Ethel (4), Frederick (2) and Annie (1). Edward and Sarah had moved to 37 Marple Street, Nottingham, by 1911. Edward was a groom for Nottingham Brewery. Six of their seven surviving children were in the home on the night of the census: Tom a brick presser, Ethel, Fred, Annie, Hilda (8) and Samuel (7). Their eldest son, Edward (named Edwin on the census), a printer, was living at 6 Chatham Street, Nottingham, with his widowed grandmother Sarah Ann Scott (67) who was 'carrying on sweep's business'. Edward and Sarah were living at 5 Ashworth Street, Nottingham, when their son was killed in 1917. The later CWGC record gave their address as 332 Great Alfred Street, Nottingham. In 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled they were living at 43 Corporation Road, Nottingham; Edward was still working as a groom and Sarah was employed as a lace hand. Edward died in 1940 and Sarah in 1942. John's brothers Tom and Frederick also served in the war. (See 'Extra information')
John Edward [Edwin] Godber served with the 1/5th Bn. York & Lancaster Regiment. He was killed in action on 9 October 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium (Panel 125 to 128).
Two of his brothers, Tom and Frederick, also served in the war: Tom served in the Labour Corps (14352 Private) enlisting on 24 February 1916; he was living with his parents at 5 Ashworth Street and employed as a brickmaker. Tom served until December 1919: Home 24 Febuary 1916, Reserve 25 February 1916-12 February 1917, France 6 April 1917-6 November 1919, Home 7 November 1919-9 December 1919; total service 3 years 289 days. While serving in France he had an accident on 22 August 1917 in which he sustained an incised wound to his left forearm for which he was treated at No. 1 Australian General Hospital, Rouen. Tom qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Frederick's military records have not yet been traced but he served in the army and was in uniform in October 1917 when his brother was killed. Registers of Soldiers' Effects: His grandmother, Sarah Ann Scott, was his legatee. WW1 Pension Ledgers: names his mother Sarah [Godber] and one dependant, his grandmother Sarah Ann Scott of Carrington. Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 8 November 1917:’Godber. Killed in action, October 9th, 1917, Lance-Corpl. JE Godber, aged 24, dearly beloved eldest son of Mr and Mrs Godber, 5, Ashforth-street. There is sweet rest in heaven. From loving mother, father, sisters, and brothers, also brothers Tom (in France), Fred (with the Colours).’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 9 October 1919:’Godber. In loving memory’ of our dear son, Teddie Godber, 5 Ashforth-street, killed in action October 9th, 1917. We loved him dearly in life, and will always love him in death. Loving mother, father, sisters, brothers.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 10 October 1921: ‘Godber. In loving memory of JE Godber, killed in action October 9th, 1917. Fondly remembered. Father, mother, sisters, brother.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 10 October 1921: ‘Godber. In loving memory of Edward Godber, killed in action October 9th, 1917. Until the day breaks. From grandma [Sarah Ann Scott].’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
