Lional Goodeve

Major – 6th (Service) Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers

Died: 23rd August 1915

Aged: 33 years old

Killed In Action in France

Major Lionel Goodeve was born at Hampnett Rectory, the home of his mother’s parents on 5th September 1881. He was the youngest son of five children of George and Emmeline Goodeve. On his war records Lionel’s address is given as ‘Hawksworth’, 26 Albert Road, Pittville.

Lionel was educated at Cheltenham College and Sandhurst after which he excelled as a career soldier serving in Allahabad, South Africa, Burma, the Andaman Islands and India. In 1902 he was awarded the Queen’s Medal with three clasps. In February 1913 he became a Captain with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers.

At the outbreak of war Lionel was detailed to assist with the raising of new battalions for the regiment and consequently was prevented from going to war straight away. On being promoted to Major in April 1915 Lionel was posted to the 6th (Service) Battalion which had been raised at Ayr in 1914, landing in France in May 1915.

Lionel was killed in action in August 1915 – the date being between 23rd-26th August. His death was caused by being shot through the heart whilst superintending a working party in No Man’s Land. His commanding officer described him as “…a good sportsman and a first-class soldier.”

He is buried at Vermelles British Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais. The beautiful inscription on his headstone reads “Until the day break and the shadows flee away.” Here in Cheltenham he is commemorated on the Cheltenham war memorial, in All Saints Church and on the Cheltenham College Roll of Honour.

Major LIONEL GOODEVE

The Fallen