Ernest Frank Goodall

Private Ernest Frank Goodall (67993) enlisted at Staines into the 11th Battalion of The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). He died, aged just 20, near the end of the war on 22 August 1918.

We know that he was born sometime between April and June 1899. His place of birth is said to have been Teddington. He was the son of Frank and Margaret Ann Goodall of Home Park, Hampton Court. He was twelve at the time of the 1911 Census and living in Home Park where his father was employed as a gardener by the Board of Works.

In a family of at least seven children, he was the eldest son. His five sisters who are listed on the 1911 Census were: Victoria Margaret (13); Dorothy Alexandra (10); Lilian Rose (7); Gladys Irene (5) and Edith Mary (10 months). In addition, we know that he had a younger brother, Thomas, born on 6 February 1912. By 1918, his parents were living in 1 Farm Cottages, Home Park, Hampton Wick.

Before enlisting at the age of 18, according to his obituaries dated 7 & 14 September 1918 in The Surrey Comet, he was the youngest member of the Gardens Staff at Hampton Court Palace by whom his death was “deeply regretted”. In his obituaries he is described as “an exceptionally clever and studious youth”. His Commanding Officer called him “one of his best men and a splendid soldier”. He was killed whilst carrying despatches and had been attached to the headquarters staff of his Battalion.

Private Goodall is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. His last place of residence is given as Hampton Court and, as a resident of Home Park, he is commemorated also on the War Memorial in the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court and on the Ministry of Works War Memorial in the Treasury Building in Whitehall.

We’re most grateful to Private Goodall’s nephew, Brian Goodall, for additional information about his family.