Name
Godwin Joseph Anthony Swyfte O'Flahertie
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Lieutenant
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
St Edmunds College Memorial, Old Hall Green
Biography
The following text was transcribed from the The Edmundian (1814-1819) – The contemporary magazine of St Edmund’s College:
Godwin O'Flahertie had behind him a strong family tradition, amounting almost to an imperative vocation to a soldier's life; his grandfather fought in the Crimean War ; an uncle, Colonel Hopkins, won the V.C. in the Indian Mutiny, in the regiment to which his nephew was first gazetted, and another uncle, Dr. J. A. Moloney ranks among the greatest of African explorers, and for bringing many powerful chiefs under the British flag, of the pioneers of Empire.
He was fitted in character and dis¬position, also for the profession of arms. As a boy in the school, and as the soldier visitor some years later, he was the same lighthearted, laughing youngster, with an irresponsible, devil-may-care way about him,—it was only his way; deep down, and in matters of real moment, he was thoughtful and serious enough, which carries the soldier cheerful ever, through fire and water, and makes us simple civilians wonder enviously. After two years spent at St. Edmund's - 1910-1912 - he went, by way of the Belvedere College, Dublin, to the National University of Ireland. He was here when war broke out, and was soon gazetted to the Shropshire Light Infantry.
In December of 1915 he joined the Garrison Battalion of the King's Regiment, then stationed at Alexandria. Here he served for some months, but finally be realized what had long been his wish, by entering the Military Training School at Helipolis, for the Royal Flying Corps. It was here that, before his recommendation, as a Pilot of the Egyptian Wings on service at home, could take effect, he met his death accidently, while flying low, he lost control of his machine and was killed. It is no surprise to us who knew him at school to hear that he was immensely popular, and that his death has been deeply felt by his brother officers.
He lies buried in the English Cemetery at Old Cairo.
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild, Di Vanderson, The Edmundian (1814-1819) – The contemporary magazine of St Edmund’s College
