Name
Joseph (Joe) Goodman
1897
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
11/04/1917
20
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Second Lieutenant
King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)
5th Bn., attached 10th Bn. The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
ARRAS MEMORIAL
Bay 2.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Stained Glass Window, Hitchin Boys Grammar School, St Mary's Church Roll of Honour, Hitchin
Pre War
Joseph was born around 1897 in Liverpool, Lancashire and his parents were Joseph and Margaret Goodman.
In 1901 the family were living at 154 Grosvenor Road, Wavertree. Present were both parents: Joseph (38) and Margaret (38), with Joseph recorded as a teacher technical lithography. Their children were: Joseph (4), William (2) and Frank Horton at just 6 months.
By 1911 the family were living at 109 Cambridge Lodge, Church Street, Shirley, Southampton. Present were both parents, Joseph now recorded as a technical expert in lithography and phototechnical processes. The census recorded they had been married for 19 years with 6 children, all living. The children listed now were Elizabeth (18), Joseph, William, Francis, Lucy (8) and Dorothy Maud (7). Also present was a visitor, John Harrison Adamson (26).
He attended the Hitchin Grammar School from 1913-1915 and recorded as a sports champion in 1915 and sub-editor of the school magazine. He took his senior Oxford local when 16.
He joined the ‘Artist’s Rifles’ in November 1915.
Wartime Service
He was initially in ‘A’ Company of the Artists Rifles OTC. After being commissioned he arrived in France on the 26th August 1916 and saw service with the 5 Battalion of the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment which was then in the 166th Brigade of the 55th Division.
He saw some strenuous service and during the winter of 1916 had taken part in many successful raids on the enemy trenches without mishap whilst with the 10th Battalion of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment which was in the l 12th Brigade of the 37th Division.
On the eve of his death in France he wrote to his brother "I am going over the top again at dawn tomorrow and if I come through all right or receive a blighty wound, I shall soon be home in dear old England; if not, well then ... . but don't tell them at home, or it will upset them. C'est la guerre."
His senior officer stated that "Joe Goodman left a record and a name in the Regiment that would never be effaced and of which any officer would be proud.” The Hertfordshire Express and the Norwood News quoted from a letter written by his commanding officer: “He was a most gallant and promising officer. I feel that his loss can never be filled adequately. He was beloved by all ranks, and when he met his death he was leading and cheering his men during a most critical part of the fight; it was owing to his splendid example that his men did so well. You must try and lighten your burden by the knowledge that he died as a British officer and gentleman leading his splendid men in a manner which nothing could excel. All ranks join me in the deepest sympathy.”
This was the attack on Monchy by the 37th Division, which started in heavy snow and resulted in a considerable British victory by the end of the day. Joe may well have been involved in the incident when the Loyals noticed that the right flank was uncovered and a handful of men launched an attack against a trench running south west from La Bergere. A tank came up to assist them and they bombed the trench, killing nineteen of the enemy who tried to escape from a shelter.
Additional Information
Joseph in recorded University of London Student Records as a student that died.
Acknowledgments
David C Baines, Jonty Wild
