371459, Rifleman, Alec Edward GOODIN
Aged 21
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Born in Newmarket in Q2-1896 [Newmarket 3b:526] to Jonathan and Mary GOODIN (née JEFFREY) of Winifred Villa, High Street, Newmarket.
1901 census...Alec[4] was at Winifred Villa (next to "The White Lion") High Street, Newmarket with his father Jonathan [47], a tailor; his mother Mary [47]; brothers Albert [16] a postman; Percy [10] and George [8] and his sister Edith [13]. The whole family were born in Newmarket. 1911 census...Alec[14] a telegraph mesenger, was still at Winifred Villa with his parents; sister Edith Louise (school teacher); brother Percy Walter, now a railway goods clerk; brother George Clifford now an apprentice tailor. His fathers place of birth has changed to Bottisham Lode, and his mother's to Woodditton. The pension card has the family home still at Winifred Villa. His elder brother Percy was killed in 1915.. see here |
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On February 2nd 1918 the 1/8th and 2/8th Post Office Rifles were merged into the 8th Battalion. The new almagamated battalion was moved to Barisis, " a delightful spot, beautifully situated in the forest of Couchy, though it seemed likely to prove a storm centre." On the extreme south of the British lines, the battalion, which had several French speaking officers, was kept in the line for long periods. Much work was undertaken to strengthening and deepening the defences, ready for the attack which all knew must come sooner or later. The front here was very extended, the 8th alone defending 2,800 yards of front. Despite frequent "hates" from the enemy, cordial exchanges were made between the French and British. Since there was little action until March it seems likely that Alec was the unfortunate victim of a stray shell or sniper. Alec and two of his fellow Post Office Riflemen were found in what is now the centre of Sinceny, their graves marked by crosses, and re-interred in Chauny Cemetery in June 1919 |
the reverse has "Off i/c London Rec requests instructions for disposal of medals 17/11/20" photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission 
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details