'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his company after all the officers had become casualties. He got the men disposed in safe positions, then organised rescue parties for men who had been buried by shellfire, and directed their work under very heavy fire.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 28 March 1918

'Messines Offensive - 7th to 9th June 1917. During the attack an consolidation of the Au Bon Fermoer Cabaret and German trenches in front of it, he took charge of the platoon and after his officer had become a casualty and by his prompt and immediate action reorganised and carried out the work of consolidation in spite of heavy shelling. He gained touch and secured his flank with the neighbouring Brigade and placed the position beyond doubt. His work on this and many previous occasions is worthy of the highest praise.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 16 August 1917

Regimental number	6/1031
Address	Palmerston Street, Westport
Marital status	Single
Next of kin	John Godfrey, Survey Office, Auckland
Rank on embarkation	Private
Enlistment status	Volunteer
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Canterbury Infantry Battalion
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914
	The Canterbury Infantry Battalion, Main Body, left New Zealand on board two ships, 'Tahiti' and 'Athenic'. It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Final rank	Warrant Officer Class II
Final unit	1st Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment
Fate	Died of wounds 26 December 1917
Age at death from cemetery records	37
Place of burial	Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery (Plot XXVII, Row CC, Grave No 3), nr Ieper, Belgium
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records	Parents: Charles Alfred and Bridget Annie Godfrey, Picton
Medals	Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his company after all the officers had become casualties. He got the men disposed in safe positions, then organised rescue parties for men who had been buried by shellfire, and directed their work under very heavy fire.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 28 March 1918 Military Medal 'Messines Offensive - 7th to 9th June 1917. During the attack an consolidation of the Au Bon Fermoer Cabaret and German trenches in front of it, he took charge of the platoon and after his officer had become a casualty and by his prompt and immediate action reorganised and carried out the work of consolidation in spite of heavy shelling. He gained touch and secured his flank with the neighbouring Brigade and placed the position beyond doubt. His work on this and many previous occasions is worthy of the highest praise.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 16 August 1917
Other details	War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British war Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous details	Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Canterbury Infantry Batln/Main Body