Harry Godley

42951 Private Harry Godley enlisted on 9 December 1915 and after training at the Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) depot was sent to the 1st battalion in 1916. On the 31 July 1917 the 3rd Battles of Ypres began with the Battle of Pilckem. The 1st battalion attacked through Hooge which was lightly defended and easily taken. Within an hour Chateau Wood was also cleared and the battalion occupied the enemy support trenches on the slopes of Bellewaarde Ridge. They next took on a strong point near Westhoek which resulted in 42 of the enemy being taken prisoner. Finally the battalion stood on top of the Westhoek Ridge which gave commanding views of the enemy. Westhoek village was also taken before a halt was made. In the afternoon the battalion was heavily shelled and subject to counter attack but they held on and repulsed the enemy. Harry was one of some 80 men killed on the day and after the Armistice his remains were found and he was re-interred in Tyne Cot Cemetery.

Godley Harry, born Kirkby in Ashfield Nottinghamshire, enlisted Kirkby in Ashfield, abode Woodhouse Nottinghamshire, 42951, Private, killed in action, France and Flanders, 31/7/17