Goddard, Denis Gerald Ambrose

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 * GODDARD, DENIS GERALD AMBROSE GODDARD, Midn. Denis Gerald Ambrose, R.N. H.M.S. "Queen Mary." Killed in action at Battle of Jutland 31st May, 1916. Age 18. Son of Lt. Col. Francis Ambrose D'Oyly Goddard (late Royal Munster Fusiliers), of 45, Warwick Rd., Earl's Court, London, and the late Evelyn Maud Goddard.
 * via Malcolm Goddard
 * Goddard Denis G A.jpg]

HMS Queen Mary C/O GPO London 27/5/1916
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 * LETTER TO HIS FATHER, JUST 4 DAYS BEFORE THE BATTLE

Dearest Dad Thanks very much for your letter. This is a top rate ship, very comfortable. There is plenty of work but the officers here decent & realize that they were "snotties" once & so they make it as easy as possible. I am not handicapped by my enforced stay on shore as the 3 other "Grey mids" [?] who joined were in the "Canopus" an old ship

like the "Ocean" & they are just as much at sea in this modern battle-cruiser as I am. Everybody is very jealous of us as we have been in the Dardanelles etc. Also there are about half-a- -dozen very junior "warts" or "wonks" who are nearly 2 years junior to me who perform odd jobs. Also the privilege of being allowed to smoke makes an awful lot of difference. Our next leave (3 or 4 days)

is due somewhere in August can you fix up yours for the same time. I will try and let you know the exact date later. I have not seen the Doctor as he might excuse me too much. I turn up for physical drill every morning & all the exercises I know I can't do. I try the others & can do most of them, (I used to be jolly good at Dartmouth), in a sort of way but a bit better than some.

of the blighters here who never even go near the gym. I went to Edinburgh yesterday & had quite a decent time. I have decided to take it acct [?] as there are a lot of expenses up here & I found that it was very expensive getting the chest here. Also on joining I had to contribute to the fund, cricket & games fund & mess share of wine-bill etc. I received half last

month's pay before I left but with tips at no. 9 it didn't leave much so I really must have some cash soon. I think it would be best if you sent it all up here. I can put some of it in War Loan which I can always sell if i am hard up & the rest I shall keep on me as an emergency fund.

I am in rather a hurry (for once) so really must switch off. Best luck & buck up with the cash. Ever your devoted Denis

PS I wrote to Mrs Hetherington asking permission for Bridie [?] & myself to correspond. Havent heard from her yet.


 * via Malcolm Goddard
 * Goddard Letter 1.jpg