Worthing First World War hero died saving life of his officer

552172 Rifleman Percy Edward Goodwin
Percy Edward GoodwinPercy Edward Goodwin
Percy Edward Goodwin

Percy Goodwin was born around 1887 and by 1897 he and his family had moved to Worthing from Titchfield in Hamphire.

His parents, Charles Earnley and Selina Goodwin, and his three brothers and sisters made their new home at Crofton Cottage, Market Street, Worthing (since demolished).

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His father spent most of his working life in Worthing as a coachman.

Percy’s occupation is unknown.

On December 7, 1915, Percy enlisted in the 2nd/16th County of London Battalion, Queen’s Westminster Rifles.

Percy’s battalion was sent to Palestine where he died of wounds, following the Battle of Beersheba, on November 9, 1917.

A citation says he died while saving the life of his officer.

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Attempts to find out more about this action from the National Archives came to nothing as many records were destroyed during bombing raids.

In September 1945 Percy’s nephew, serving with the Royal Signals in the Second World War, visited his grave in Beersheba War Cemetery.

Descendants of his family still live in Worthing.

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