William Henry Goddard

Born: 1894

Died: 10 December 1915

Rank and Regiment: Private G/4501 in the 13th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers

Resting Place: Hannescamps Churchyard, France - Plot B. 20

Memorial: St Andrew, Westfield, United Kingdom

William Goddard (he had a third given name beginning with J but we have been unable to identify it) was born in Whinburgh on 26 March 1894. He was the son of Alfred Goddard and Hatta Elizabeth (nee Cross). According to the census, he was one of seven children including three daughters named Ellen, Gladys and Hattie.

He was admitted to Whinburgh school on 2 May 1898 when his address was given as Westfield, but the 1901 Census shows the family as living at Park Farm Road, Whinburgh.

By 1911, we find Alfred as licensee of the Ship and Anchor pub in Westfield, which he had taken over on 6 January 1905. The pub was at “Ship Corner”, Shipdham Road; it closed in early 1960. Alfred continued as licensee until his death July 1930 when Hatta took over and ran the pub until 1939. Curiously as well as a publican he was a fish dealer. Meanwhile, William was working as a farm labourer.

According to Soldiers Died in the Great War, William was a resident of Dereham when he enlisted in Battersea. None of his military records appear to survive; not even his medal. We do know is that he was killed in action on 10th December 1915. According to troop movements, his regiment were mobilised for war on 30th July 1915 and shortly thereafter landed in Boulogne. They were part of the 111th Brigade of the 37th Division, thus William would have likely been placed near Tilques at the time of his death.

He is buried at Hannescamps Churchyard, Pas de Calais. Hannescamp was just behind the Allied front line until June 1916, and again in 1918. Hannescamps Churchyard was used by Commonwealth forces from October 1915 to January 1916 and contains 21 Commonwealth burials of the First World War.

He effects worth £4. 9s. 9d were left to his mother, Hattie.

We also found a marriage certificate detailing that his younger sister Hattie, married Birdie James Myhill in Whinburgh in 1929.

Hannescamps Churchyard, France