World War I Victoria Cross Medal Recipient, first Private to be awarded this medal in WWI. Born in East Grinstead, West Sussex England, he served as a Private in the 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers British Army. On August 23, 1914, Private Godley offered to defend the Nimy Bridge at Mons, Belgium, while the rest of the British and French armies retreated for a better defense inland. When his commanding Lieutenant had been killed, Private Godley held the bridge single-handed for two hours under heavy enemy fire and was wounded twice. He carried on his duty of defending the retreat of his comrades and in a final act, dismantled his machine gun and threw the pieces into the canal. He attempted to crawl to safety, but advancing German soldiers caught and took him to a prisoner of war camp. His wounds were treated and he remained in the prison camp until the Armistice. For most prestigious gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal from the King, at Buckingham Palace, in 1919.
World War I Victoria Cross Medal Recipient, first Private to be awarded this medal in WWI. Born in East Grinstead, West Sussex England, he served as a Private in the 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers British Army. On August 23, 1914, Private Godley offered to defend the Nimy Bridge at Mons, Belgium, while the rest of the British and French armies retreated for a better defense inland. When his commanding Lieutenant had been killed, Private Godley held the bridge single-handed for two hours under heavy enemy fire and was wounded twice. He carried on his duty of defending the retreat of his comrades and in a final act, dismantled his machine gun and threw the pieces into the canal. He attempted to crawl to safety, but advancing German soldiers caught and took him to a prisoner of war camp. His wounds were treated and he remained in the prison camp until the Armistice. For most prestigious gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal from the King, at Buckingham Palace, in 1919.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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