| Godley | Harry Crewe | | Captain | GODLEY, HARRY CREWE, Captain, was born at Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland, 30 October 1861, son of Major H R C Godley, 28th Regiment, and Mrs Frances Godley. He was educated at the Grammar School, Chard, Somerset, and was gazetted to a Regular Commission from the Militia 30 January 1881; was Adjutant, 3rd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment, from 15 September 1892 to 14 September 1897. He served in the South African War of 1899 to 1902, and was in South Africa from October 1899 to January 1900, during which time he was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April, 1901], and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "Harry Crewe Godley, Captain, Northumberland Fusiliers. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The DSO was awarded for the excellent services he rendered during the campaign, when he was left in command of a post with two companies of the Northampton Regiment, to command Enslin Railway Station, on the (2nd or) 8th September 1899, and defended it for nine hours against a force of from 930 to 1,000 mounted Boers with two guns, under Commandant Prinsloo, who made a surprise attack in order to destroy the line and capture the stores which were being guarded; and, notwithstanding the very superior force of the burghers, the two companies of the Northampton Regiment successfully resisted the attack until relieved by reinforcements from Lord Methuen, when the enemy retreated. He returned to England January 1900, was granted sick leave, and appointed Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General, Jersey, during 1902, and died at Ryde, Isle of Wight, 19 February 1907, after a service of 23 years and 21 days. He always took a great interest in the regimental sports, and his company was first for the 'Evelyn Wood' Competition, 1898, and second the year following. He was very sociable and popular with all ranks, very active, a good rider, fond of horses, and very keen on hunting. Major Godley married, at Monkstown, Dublin, 23 April, 1892, Elizabeth Mary Annesley; they had three sons: Francis William Crewe, born 25 January 1893; Gerald Annesley George, born 15 April, 1897; Richard Harry Fetherston, born 31 May 1902; and a daughter, Elizabeth Adeline Faith.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Northumberland Fusiliers |
