Ralph Edward Godin

Ralph Edward Godin was born in Meadow Road, Loughton, in 1890. He was the son of Ralph and Florence Marion Godin. He died of wounds on the 17th July 1916 at Souchez, France, aged 26. He was a member of the Royal Sussex Regiment, “A” Company, 13th Battalion.
The Royal Sussex Regiment, specifically “A” Company of the 13th Battalion, played a significant role in World War I, particularly during the 1916 Battle of the Somme. The 13th Battalion was formed in 1915 as part of Kitchener’s Army, largely composed of volunteers. It was deployed to France in 1916 and took part in several battles, including the Battle of the Somme.

The Battle of the Somme commenced on 1st July 1916 and was one of the largest battles of the war, marked by significant casualties. The Royal Sussex Regiment, including “A” Company, took part in the fighting around Souchez, a village that experienced intense combat.

This area was strategically important, and the fighting there was characterised by trench warfare, with soldiers enduring harsh conditions. The battalion’s actions contributed to the overall effort to break through the German lines, though the battle resulted in heavy losses for both sides. The Royal Sussex Regiment is remembered for its bravery and sacrifice during the war. The experiences of soldiers in “A” Company and other units have been recorded in numerous military records and personal accounts.

The battle was part of a series of offensives aimed at breaking through the German lines in the Artois region of France. The Allies aimed to capture key positions, including the village of Souchez, to gain control over the surrounding areas and disrupt German supply lines.

The battle started with a series of attacks by the British and French forces. The initial assaults aimed to capture the German-held positions around Souchez, including the strategic heights of Vimy Ridge. The Germans had fortified their positions, making it difficult for the Allies to achieve a decisive breakthrough. They utilised well-constructed trenches and barbed wire, along with effective artillery support. Despite some initial successes, the battle quickly turned into a stalemate. The harsh conditions, including mud and rain, hampered movement and logistics for both sides

The battle inflicted heavy casualties on both the Allies and the Germans. The exact figures are hard to determine, but estimates suggest that tens of thousands were killed or wounded.

The Battle of Souchez failed to reach its intended objectives, and the front lines remained essentially unchanged. The inability to break through the German defences underscored the challenges of trench warfare and foreshadowed the prolonged stalemate that would characterise much of World War I. The battle is often remembered for its brutal conditions and the high cost of human life, serving as a stark reminder of the horrors of war.

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The 1891 Census records the family residing at “Glen Villa”, Meadow Road, Loughton. Ralph Godin, 32, is the head of the household and an underwriting agent. His wife, Florence Marion, 31, and son, Ralph Edward, 1, are also listed. They have a servant, Elizabeth Bacon, 19.
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According to the 1901 Census, Ralph was a boarder at Loughton School. He now has a brother, Harold Eustace, aged 9, who is also shown as a boarder. The Loughton School census spans three pages, and all the students are shown as boarders. There was never room for that many boarders, and as Ralph and Harold lived just a ten-minute walk away, it is highly unlikely they were boarding.
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The 1911 Census records the family as residing in High Beech Road, Loughton. Florence Marion Godin, now a widow, is the head of household, aged 51. There are three sons: Ralph Edward, 20; Harold Eustace, 19; and John, 17, all of whom are shown as clerks. There is also a daughter, Norah Olivia, 9.
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His father committed suicide. A report from the Essex County Chronical Friday, August 17 1909, headlined “Prefers Death To Pain” states that “A tragic story of a sufferer’s suicide in order to escape further pain was told at Loughton on Monday during an inquiry into the death of Ralph Godin, a retired underwriter at Lloyd’s, who died from the effects of poisoning. A verdict of “Suicide during temporary insanity” was returned. Apparently, he had no hope of recovering the use of his limbs from injuries received, which were severely burned through an accident six years previously, with a gas-making experiment to light his house.
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The Index of Wills and Probates of August 20th 1909, shows that Ralph Godin died. At the time, they were living in High Beech Road, Loughton. His effects are shown as £1,400. 6s
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Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929, for Ralph Edward Godin, show that he had no money in his account and just a £7 War Gratuity.
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England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995 for Ralph Edward Godin
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The Graves Registration Report

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