Goddard, Henry Gordon

Junker Ju 88

Date of death:: November 13th, 1972
Service number:: 70252
Nationality:: British

Biography

Henry Goddard went to Harrow School and Wadham College, Oxford. Between 1927 to 1929 he was a member of the University Air Squadron. In July 1932 he joined the RAFO and transferred to the RAFVR in 1938. He was an architect when called up in September 1939. With 219 Squadron from December 1939, Goddard served in the Battle of Britain. He destroyed a Ju 88 at night in November 1940 after attacking it a point blank range at 20,000 feet. He commanded 153 Squadron at Portreath for a short time in December 1942. Posted overseas he was given command of 176 Squadron at Baigachi, India in June 1943, and posted away in March 1944 to lead 170 Wing in the Imphal Valley. On May 1st he was promoted to Act Group Captain and took Command of HQ 906 Wing. Goddard was released 1945 as a Wing Commander,

Promotions:
4 July, 1932: Pilot Officer on Probation
4 July, 1933: Pilot Officer
4 January, 1934: Flying Officer
1 January, 1938: Commissioned in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
16 December, 1940: Flight Lieutenant
1 March, 1942: Temporary Squadron Leader
1 March, 1945: Wing Commander (war sub)
10 February, 1954: Commission relinquished, retaining rank as Group Captain

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flight Lieutenant
Unit:: No. 219 (Mysore) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: February 18th, 1941

Citation:
"This officer has been employed in night flying operations since December, 1939. One night in November, 1940, he destroyed a Junker's 88 after attacking it at point-blank range at a height of 20,000 feet. His determination to seek and destroy the enemy at night, often in adverse weather conditions, has been an inspiration to his fellow pilots."

Mentioned in Dispatches

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Flight Lieutenant
Awarded on:: March 17th, 1941

Air Force Cross (AFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Squadron Leader
Awarded on:: June 11th, 1942

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Wing Commander
Awarded on:: November 14th, 1944

Citation:
"This officer has Commanded No. 170 Wing throughout the IMPHAL Operations in an exemplary manner. He has at all times, by his personal drive and energy, been a magnificent example to all his Wing, flying many Operational sorties personally in Spitfire, Hurricanes, Beaufighters and Bisleys, both by day and noght, during which time he has attacked transport with success and bombed satisfactory, and chased away night fighters. He has taken a keen interest in the Operational control of the aircraft, and in the engineering side of the construction and maintenance of the strips and sccomodation for his squadron. For a period he had no less than Nine Squadrons to administer."