Name
Geoffrey Riddel Goody
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
14/07/1918
28
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Lieutenant
King's Royal Rifle Corps
9th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
TERLINCTHUN BRITISH CEMETERY, WIMILLE
I. F. 1.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Hatfield Town Memorial
Pre War
Son of the Rev. Charles James and Florence Elizabeth Riddell Goody, later of Myles Down Cottage, Mill Hill, Middlesex. He was baptised on 2nd February 1890 at St John the Apostle Church, Whetstone.
In the 1901 Census, Geoffrey, aged 11, was living with his parents, Charles and Florence and siblings at St John’s Vicarage, Whetstone, Finchley, Middx. His father was a clergyman, C. of E. There was also a governess and 3 servants living at the address. By 1911, Geoffrey, now 21, was still listed as living with his parents and sisters at St. John’s Vicarage. He is a student at Oxford, Pembroke College. Also listed are four visitors who are certificated teachers at church elementary school and 3 servants.
Wartime Service
Geoffrey’s medal card shows that he was originally in the 19th Brigade Royal Fusiliers (2nd Public schools) with service number 388.
From various records and reports it appears that was mobilised late in 1914, entered the war in France, on 14/11/1915. promoted to Company Sergeant Major in the spring of 1916, then commissioned to second lieutenant around July 1916 and then to full lieutenant at some point before July 1918.
He was transferred to 60th Kings Royal Rifle Corps in 1916 when first commissioned.
The Bishop’s Hatfield Parish Magazine of October 1914, in the second list of men mobilised, recorded: “Goody, Geoffrey Riddle, from Hatfield End - Royal Fusiliers, Public School and University Men Battalion.” Then in March 1916: “Promotions - Geoffrey Goody- Sergeant Major - Public Schools Battalion.” In July 1916: “Promotions - Goody Geoffrey R. 2nd Lieutenant - 60th Rifles.”
Lastly the Bishop’s Hatfield Parish Magazine of July 1918, recorded: “Lieutenant Geoffrey Goody another announcement which his friends will grieve to read is “accidently killed in France July 13th Lieutenant Geoffrey Riddell Goody, Kings Royal Rifles Corps. Aged 28 youngest son of the late Rev. Charles James Goody of Whetstone and Mrs Goody of the Cottage Bookman’s Park Hatfield”.
Awarded the Victory Medal, British War Medal and 14/15 Star.
Additional Information
England & Wales. National Probate Calendar ( Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966: Goody, Geoffrey Riddel of the Cottage Brookmans Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, Lieutenant K.R.R.C. died 14th July 1918 in France. Administration London, 27 January to Jessie Mary Florence Goody, spinster. Effects £155 18s 1d.
His brother of Gilbert Alexander Goody was also killed.
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild, Christine & Derek Martindale, Hatfield Local History Society (www.hatfieldhistory.uk)
