Page 490 - Reading Mercury

inquest the jury returned an open verdict, he was directed to continue his inquiries,
which resulted a week later in the arrest of the child’s mother.
In August, 1885, he was transferred to Sandhurst, at that time a rough “beat,”
owing, in some degree, to the number of unemployed who at that period lived in the
district. Difficult work and lively assaults were part of his lot whilst he was in
Sandhurst, but with the building of a police station and the construction of new roads,
and, not the least important, the obtaining of the assistance of P.C. (now Inspector)
Haddrell, the district settled into its present peaceful condition.
During Supt. Goddard’s service, he has been on duty at all the important functions
in the area. Ascot, with its world-renowned race meeting, falls within his district, and
his experiences include investigations of the woman murder at Windsor and extensive
burglaries at Ascot. He was also detailed with a staff of constables to organise new
beats for the better protection of the neighbourhood, and assisted in making the
arrangements for the last visit of her late Majesty Queen Victoria to Wellington
College on Mafeking Day. In July 1901, Mr. Goddard first came to Wokingham as
inspector, being promoted to his present rank two years later. During the past twenty
years it has fallen to his lot to make the police arrangements for a great number of
Royal visits to the Royal Military College and Wellington College, and on many
occasions has been complimented for their efficiency. He recalls with considerable
interest an occasion when, during a visit of King Edward VII to Wellington, he
“corrected” his Majesty, who was keeping Queen Alexandria, the Duke of Connaught,
and other members of the Royal family, ready posed for the photographer, waiting.
Mr. Goddard has a copy of the photograph, the group including the present Bishop of
Norwich, then Master of Wellington.
Supt. Goddard has carried through much successful detective work, and arrested and
brought into custody a long list of notorious criminals. During the war he enlisted and
trained a strong force of Special Constables. In this connection he has compiled and
has published an interesting and well-produced brochure entitled “Berkshire Special
Constables (Wokingham Division): A Short History from 1911 to 1921” – a
comprehensive survey not only of the activities and accomplishments of the Force,
but of their history, which is far less modern than is generally believed.

WOKINGHAM BRITISH LEGION
CHILDREN ENTERTAINED
On New Year’s Day the members of the Wokingham British Legion Club gave their
annual entertainment to the orphans and children of ex-Service men in the town and
no effort was spared to ensure that each of the 140 little guests should thoroughly
enjoy the afternoon. Mr. C.W. Law was the hon. secretary of the entertainment
committee, and was assisted by Mr. D. Goddard and a committee of club members,
who gaily decorated the Church House, where the entertainment was held.
Many good things were provided for the tea, with which the proceedings
commenced, and afterwards games were organised by Mrs. Marks and Miss
Blackman. Before the left each was presented with a gift taken from a giant Christmas
tree by Santa Claus in the person of Mr. G. Townsend. The Mayor (Admiral J.B.
Eustace) visited the hall, and on behalf of the guests thanked the members of the club
for the entertainment, and Mr. Law, Mr. Goddard and the helpers were thanked at the
instance of Mr. C.H. Andrews, the general secretary of the local branch of the Legion.
The Mayor was accompanied by General Sir Walter D.S. Cayley (vice-chairman of
the club), and General Wilkinson.

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