Oliver Godley first makes an appearance in Chailey Parish Magazine in October 1915 as Godley, Corporal O, RE, England.  By March 1916 it is noted that he is in France and by the following month, that he has been promoted to sergeant. 

 

In November 1916, the parish magazine notes that he is now quartermaster sergeant and in May 1918, this is further updated with: Godley, Company Quarter Master Sergeant O, MFW, RE.  By July 1919, Godley had been promoted again, this time to regimental sergeant major.  According to the parish magazine, he still held this rank in July 1919 although his medal card at the National Archives indicates two references: Warrant Officer Class 1 (with the army number 108423) and captain.

 

The 1901 Census of England and Wales lists three men by the name of Oliver Godley.  There are two possibilities amongst these men: Oliver F Godley, born about 1885 in Brighton and living in Hove and Oliver Godley born in Scotland about 1879 and living in Preston, Sussex.

 

 

Sources & Acknowledgements:

 

• 1901 Census of England & Wales
• The National Archives’ on-line medal information card index
• Chailey Parish Magazine