Ernest Benjamin Godbold

A Gunner with 215th Siege Battery, Ernest died on 26th of August 1917 at the age of 37.

Ernest was born at Oulton, Lowestoft, in 1880, a son of Benjamin and Emma Godbold. He was baptised at Saint Michael’s Church, Oulton, on 28 March 1880. In 1881 his family lived at Mutford Bridge, Oulton Broad, and by 1891 at 42 Beccles Road, Oulton. In 1899 they lived at Saint Anne’s Terrace, Bridge Road, and by 1911 at 4 Rock Dene, Rock Estate, Oulton Broad. 

Ernest was living at Oulton Broad, and working as a labourer for James Bullen of Lowestoft, when he enlisted in the Suffolk Artillery (Militia) at Lowestoft on 16 January 1899. He then joined the regular Royal Artillery on 20 March 1899. He served with the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 34266. In 1911 Ernest was serving with 81 Company Royal Garrison Artillery at Roorkee, India. He was awarded the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

In June 1915 Ernest married Ethel Rose Notting. This was registered at Alverstoke. Later Ethel lived at 68 Saint Thomas’ Road, Hardway, Gosport, Hampshire.

Ernest served at Sierra Leone in 1916, returning to England on 4 December 1916. He then went to France and served with 145th Siege Battery before being posted to 215th Siege Battery. 

Ernest was wounded and treated at 47 Casualty Clearing Station where he died from his wounds. 

Ernest’s brother Henry served with the Army Service Corps and died in 1916.