Second World War Medal Group – Captain John Godsell, Royal Corps of Signals
1939–45 Star – unnamed as issued
Africa Star, 1st Army clasp – unnamed as issued
Italy Star – unnamed as issued
France & Germany Star – unnamed as issued
Defence Medal – unnamed as issued
War Medal – unnamed as issued
Royal Life Saving Society Swimming Proficiency Medal (Boxed) - J. GODSELL JULY 1934
John Godsell was born on 28 August 1918 at Hartley Wintney, Hampshire, the son of Thomas Joseph Godsell and Laura Godsell (née Garlick). He grew up in Hampshire before later settling in the London area, and by the outbreak of the Second World War was of working age, later being employed with the British Postal Service, London Telecommunications Service.
Godsell initially served as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery, before being selected for officer training and commissioned into the Royal Corps of Signals. His commission as a Second Lieutenant was promulgated in the London Gazette in January 1942, with seniority dated to 20 December 1941. He later attained the rank of Captain, serving in a technical and command capacity within the Signals during the height of the war.
During his wartime service, Captain Godsell saw extensive operational service across multiple theatres. His medal entitlement confirms service in North Africa with the First Army, followed by the Italian Campaign, and later North-West Europe, qualifying him for the France and Germany Star. This represents a full and demanding overseas service record across three major campaigns of the Second World War, reflecting sustained front-line and communications duties during key Allied operations.
Following the war, Godsell married Jean Sadie Harle in 1945, and settled in Middlesex, later residing in Ickenham, Uxbridge. He lived a long post-war life and died on 14 October 2009, aged 91.
This is a comprehensive and highly attractive Second World War officer’s group, notable for its multi-theatre campaign coverage, inclusion of the original medal box and entitlement paperwork, and the addition of a Royal Life Saving Society swimming proficiency medal named to Godsell from July 1934, reflecting his pre-war civilian life and achievements.
Photographs of Captain Godsell sourced from Ancestry are included and will be emailed to the buyer along with the full research file.
PLEASE NOTE: All research will be sent to the buyer via email. I am unable to provide printed copies, as I do not have access to a printer.
AJMS Medals