John H. Goodman
For the longest time the only reference to John I could find was that he was recorded as being a Paymaster Sub Lieutenant on HMS Gambia in the March 1943 edition of the Devonport High School Magazine, page 25.
Then in August 2021, this story appeared on both the HartfordCare and Hampshire Chronicle websites:
John Goodman celebrates 100th birthday.
John receives his Royal Naval Association Certificate of Appreciation from Stewart Maclean, accompanied by Standard Bearer, Richard Shenton
A Winchester care home resident was given two reasons to smile on his 100th birthday.
John Goodman, who celebrated the milestone on August 12, was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Royal Naval Association.
This is to recognise his distinguished service in the Navy during World War Two.
Stewart Maclean, Parade Marshall of the Association’s Area 3, accompanied by Standard Bearer Richard Shenton, made the presentation at Tegfield House, Chilbolton Avenue.
As well as the certificate, association chairman, Keith Ridley wrote John a personal letter on behalf of its National Council to thank him for his service and convey their best wishes.
Jo Aitken, Manager of Tegfield House, said: "It is such a pleasure to have John and his family as part of our Tegfield family. It was a real delight to make his day even more special with the Royal Naval Association and his family coming to join us. It is a day none of us will forget for a long time."
Mr Goodman was joined by his family members, residents, and staff.
Born at Wotter in Dartmoor, Devon, he and his family moved to Plymouth when he was 11 where he attended Devonport High School. Having passed his A-levels, John was due to go to university to study English and French.
However, with the outbreak of World War Two in 1939, he joined the Royal Navy instead.
He served as an officer on many ships including HMS Gambia, King George VI (which sunk the Bismarck) and HMS Fiji (which was torpedoed). John sailed the world with the Royal Navy including as part of the Arctic Convoys. His overseas postings included Singapore, Malta, Gibraltar, Hong Kong and South Africa.
Leaving the Royal Navy in 1971, John was Bursar of St Swithun’s School, Winchester, until his retirement. John also voluntarily taught chess to children in a local primary school.
John married his wife, June, during WWII and they were together for 65 years until June passed away. Together, they have four children, Rosemary, Peter, Fiona and Lucy. He also has 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
John was for 10 years a resident (Brother) of the St Cross Almshouse and made Brother Emeritus when he moved to Tegfield House in June.
A lover of jazz music and Frank Sinatra, John’s other hobbies include supporting Plymouth Argyle Football Club and hockey. He was a hockey player and umpire and attends Winchester Hockey Club games every Saturday with his daughters. For his long-standing support, the Club made him an Honorary Vice-President.
John’s other celebrations included a birthday tea at the Hotel du Vin, Winchester with his family, and attending Matins at the Church of St Cross before enjoying birthday coffee and cake with The Brothers.
Tegfield House is run by the Basingstoke-based Hartford Care Group Limited.
John's wife, June, was a WREN (Women's Royal Naval Service) and they were married Matfield Church Antony, Cornwall.