The Royal Naval Association and more locally the Bude Branch, are delighted to learn of Godfrey's award of the B.E.M. "for services to Bude & Stratton".
Godfrey is a highly respected and long-serving Member of the Branch who initiated the formation some 35 yrs ago. Together with a close colleague and friend (Brian Braund), they became the founder members of Bude R.N.A. in August, 1989, along with a few friends.
Godfrey became the first Honorary Secretary and over the years has filled the roles of P.R.O. and Chairman to an excellent standard.
He sadly lost his wife some years ago, but that did not stop him from steadily filling his loft space at home with numerous Branch items as free storage!
Born on the 1st actual day of Spring in 1938, it was just a few years later, in 1953, that he joined HMS Ganges and thence to Seaman Branch and concluded on HMS Corunna as L/Sea QRI, Seaman Gunner.
He carried on and completed two spells at both HMS Excellent & HMS Cambridge and a bit of sea time onboard HMS Charity (R29), Concord (D03), Saintes & Tiger (C20) prior to Corunna (D97).
Known as "Geordie", for obvious reasons, Godfrey was not content with full activity within the R.N.A. which in the beginning had just 36 members but he has witnessed the Branch growing to its current strength of 1 Life, 64 Full & 40 Associate members - 105.
In addition, he has been a guiding light as Chair of the local R.B.L. Branch until quite recently and staunchly supportive of both organisations.
Godfrey has always come under the heading of "a doer", many instances far too numerous to list - but he does make things happen! Successful organisation of numerous annual Remembrance Parades are a prime example.
The receipt of his B.E.M. is a very fitting testimony for a total gentleman, ex-Matelot and friend. BZ Godfrey from all your shipmates at Bude R.N.A. and further afield within the Royal Naval Association.
