Name
Walter Joseph Gooding
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
25/02/1917
19
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
31983
Welch Regiment
19th (Pioneer) Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
BARD COTTAGE CEMETERY
II. E. 1.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT
UK & Other Memorials
Harpenden Town Memorial,
Pre War
Walter Joseph was born in Islington, London in 1897. His parents were Thomas Joseph Gooding, and Fanny Elizabeth (nee Swales). His father died in 1900 and his mother died in 1901.
He had an older brother Harry (Henry) Thomas, born 1895, and younger brother Harold Orient, born 1899.
Wartime Service
Walter enlisted as Private 31983 in 19th Pioneer Battalion Welsh* Regiment, giving his address as Aldebert Terrace, Clapham. An address shared with at least Harry.
He went to France on 5 Dec 1915. Walter died in Feb 1917 (date varies between 20th & 25th on documents)
*1914 -18 spelling later Welch.
Additional Information
His brother, Mr H. T. Gooding, "Clevedon," Papworth Everard, Cambridge, ordered his headstone inscription: "WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT",
War Gratuity of £8 10s and arrears of £16 4s 11d shared between his brothers together with probate of £25 12s 5d.
Brother Harry (Henry) Thomas served as a Rifleman 2081 with 6th Battalion London Regiment, wounded & placed on reserve, surviving the war.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Jonty Wild, Mary Skinner, Harpenden & District Local History Society (www.harpenden-history.org.uk)
