10 September 2013

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

COLIN Godley the grandson of Private Sidney Godley VC has paid a visit to East Court for an interview by BBC South East about his famous grandfather.

Colin Godley called the holder of the first Victoria Cross to be awarded to a private soldier in WWI “a hero” adding “but he was also my grandad, so he was already a hero to me”.

All those awarded a Victoria Cross in the First World War are to be remembered during next year’s centenary events with a specially commissioned plaque in the place of their birth, and Colin has already accepted an invitation from the Town Council to see his grandfather’s stone installed by the High Street War Memorial.

Town promotions officer Simon Kerr said he had enjoyed meeting Colin for the first time – as had all the BBC crew.

“It was lovely to see how enthusiastic they all were about Private Godley’s story and how keen they were to meet his grandson.”

On 23 August next year Colin will be in Mons, 100 years to the day on which his grandfather won his VC for defending a bridge and allowing his colleagues to escape.

Sidney survived his injuries and won the respect of his captors for his bravery. His connection with East Grinstead is celebrated with a blue memorial on East Court mansion.