Thank you to Janet Mata for the following research.
Charles Goodman was born in Tunbridge Wells, Kent in 1885. In 1911 he was working as a groom in Connaught Mews, Paddington.
He married Emily Sturgess in St. Paul’s Church in Dorking in November 1915, he was 30 and she was 23. Prior to the marriage, Emily had worked as a pantry maid at Lakers Hotel in Redhill, though no occupation is given on the marriage certificate. Charles’s occupation is noted as hotel porter on the certificate, with his father’s occupation listed as coachman. The newlywed couple were living at 25 Falkland Road, Dorking. They had one child.
During the First World War, Charles was a Lance Corporal with the Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment. He was killed on 19th June 1916, just a month after his wedding. The regimental war diary entry for that day reads as follows: “Sniping increased a good deal, and enemy’s artillery appear more active. Casualties: 3 killed 1 wounded.”
A FAMILY’S SACRIFICE
DEATH OF SERGT. C. GOODMAN
Official intimation has been received of the death in action, on June 19th, of Sergeant C. Goodman, Royal W.S. Regt, whose wife lives at 25 Falkland Road, Dorking. Sergt. Goodman had only been eight months in the Army, and by his soldierly qualities, had earned rapid promotion; in fact, he was only promoted to Sergeant two days before his death, which occurred while firing over the trenches. He leaves a widow and a young baby. Two brothers were killed in the Boer War, so that the family have made a heavy sacrifice for their country.
Capt. A. A. Langley, the officer Commanding deceased’s company, has written as follows to Mrs. Goodman, under date June 27: “May I offer you my most heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your husband, Sergt. Goodman, of my company. It is my earnest hope that the particulars I am able to give you concerning him may be some small consolation to you in your bereavement. Sergt. Goodman had only been promoted two days before he was killed, and I held him in the highest possible esteem. He always carried out his duties cheerfully, was always ready to give a helping hand when it was required, and was respected and looked up to by the men under him. His loss to us as a soldier is indeed great. As regards the way he met his death, he was shot while firing over the parapet at night, encouraging his men by his example. Death was absolutely instantaneous.
Charles Goodman Death Notice 8th July 1916 © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
Charles Goodman is buried at Gunners Farm Military Cemetery, Hainault, Belgium, a short distance from the town of Ypres.
His headstone reads “In loving memory of my dear husband who died for his King and Country.”
| Born | Tunbridge Wells, Kent | |
| Lived | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Husband of | Emily Goodman of 25 Falkland Road, Dorking | |
| Regiment | 11th Battalion, The Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment | |
| Number | G/6822 | |
| Date of Death | 19th June 1916 | |
| Place of Death | Near Ypres, Belgium | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in Action | |
| Age | 31 | |
| Cemetery | Gunner’s Farm Military Cemetery, Ploegsteert, Belgium |
