Frederick was born on 28th January 1899 to John Nathan and Sarah, Ann nee Ockwell. At the time of the 1901 Census, the family – father, John Nathan, 30, mother, Sarah Anne, 30, children William J.,10, George, 8, John, 5 and Frederick, 2 – were living at Green Man Cottages, East Wickham, Kent. On the 11th April 1904, at the age of 5 and when the family were living at 10 Caroline Cottages, Wickham Street, Welliing, Frederick started at Foster’s School, Welling.
At the time of the 1911 Census, Frederick was aged 12 and still at school. He was living with his father, who was working as a Smith’s Labourer, and two brothers, George Alfred and John Nathan, still in Caroline Cottages. By then 2 more sisters had been born, Ellen Emily (who died at birth) and Louisa Emily (1905-1967), who was at that time living with the eldest brother William with their aunt in Woolwich.
The 1911 Census for the Cottage Hospital, Upton Road, Bexleyheath shows an Annie Goodwright who had been born in Gloucester as being a patient. This seems likely to be Frederick’s Mother as her birthplace ties up and she was known as Ann in the 1891 Census. She was to die during March 1916.
We are unable to ascertain when Frederick joined his Regiment but we know from his Service number that he was not a Regular soldier. He must have lied about his age as when he enlisted at Woolwich possibly in late 1914/early 1915 he was between the age 15 and 16. He was sent to the 2nd Battalion, the Worcestershire Regiment, Service number 28541.
The Battalion had originally landed at Boulogne on the 14th August 1914, forming part of 5th Brigade, 2nd Division. The 2nd Battalion was involved in several large battles during 1914 and 1915 including, The Battles of Mons, Festubert and Loos. At the end of this period only a few who landed in August 1914 would have stil been in active service.
The Battalion was transferred on 20th December 1915 to the 100th Brigade of the 33rd Division. It is possible that Frederick joined his Battalion about this time although we cannot be sure of the exact date. Legally no soldier should have served in a war zone until after their 18th Birthday.
During 1916 the Battalion took part in the following actions:
- Between January and June they were in and out of the line in the Bethune/Le Bassee Canal sector.
- July : The Auchy Raid, the Battle’s of Bazentin Ridge and High Wood.
- August : The Battle of Delville Wood.
- November: On the 5th November at 11.13 p.m. Frederick was part of the Battalion’s attack on the Transloy Ridge in the area of Mirage Trench. Here, along with 110 comrades, he met his death and his body was not recovered.
Frederick is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Panel Ref. Pier and Face 5A and 5C.
Commemorated
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This story has been researched by volunteers. We have taken every effort to ensure its accuracy. If you are related to Frederick Thomas Goodwright, or if you have any further information, please do get in touch.