Database

ALFRED EDMOND GODSAL

Died : 10 May 1918
Rank : Commander
Service no at death:
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Surname: GODSAL
Forename: ALFRED EDMOND
Initials: A E
Date of Birth 02 Dec 1884
Place of BirthSturminster Marsall
Place of Birth Source
Address
Schools attended
Employment / tradeRoyal Navy
Place of work
Family (parents and grandparents)Son of Philip and Ellen (nee Parke) Godsal
Spouse Name
Notes
Regiment at call-upRoyal Navy
Regiment at discharge
Rank at call-upMidshipman
Service no at call-up
Date of attestation -
Date of call-up -
Area reported to
Source
Naval vessels served HMS Brilliant; HMS Vindictive
Decorations and awards
Other service detailsIn 1911 on board HMS Monmouth in China and the East Indies.
Awarded the DSO "This officer in Brilliant led the Ostend blockships and stood in to shore in the face of tremendous barrage from shore batteries, the wind having shifted and driven back the smokescreen at a critical moment, His spirit and bearing were those of a very gallant officer; he at once volunteered on hearing that another operation was in contemplation.
Other rank
Other service no
Service facts1902 Midshipman 1905 Lieut 1914 Lieut Commander Jun 1917 Commander
Age at death34
Date of death 10 May 1918
Regiment at deathRoyal Navy
Battalion at death
Rank at deathCommander
Circumstances of deathShipping & Seaman Roll of Honour "This officer led the previous attempt to block Ostend in HMS Brilliant and on his return at once begged to be allowed to try again. On being appointed to the Vindictive he worked with greatest energy to get her ready for further service at the earliest possible moment. On the night 9/10 May having placed his vessel between the piers of Ostend Harbour, he left the shelter of the conning tower for the forecastle in order to get a better view for manoeuvring her into required position. He was almost immediately killed and the service lost in him a very gallant and valuable officer".
Service no at death
Field of action at death
Place of deathOstend, Belgium
Location of graveOstende New Communal Cemetery
Position
Other memorials
Newspaper Reference