John Henry Godfrey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Henry Godfrey
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Godfrey as a Rear Admiral during World War II
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| Born | 10 July 1888 Handsworth |
| Died | 29 August 1970 (aged 82) Eastbourne |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom British India |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy Royal Indian Navy |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | HMS Kent HMS Suffolk HMS Repulse Royal Indian Navy |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath |
Admiral John Henry Godfrey (born July 10, 1888 – died August 29, 1970) was a brave officer in the Royal Navy and later the Royal Indian Navy. He was especially good at navigation, which is knowing how to steer ships. Many people believe that Ian Fleming, the writer of the James Bond books, based the character "M" (James Bond's boss) on Admiral Godfrey.
Contents
John Henry Godfrey was born in Handsworth, England, in 1888. He went to school at King Edward's School in Birmingham and Bradfield College. He then trained to become a naval officer at HMS Britannia.
Early Life and Family
In 1921, he married Bertha Margaret Hope. Margaret was also very smart and active. She helped her husband's career in many ways. She helped set up Bletchley Park in 1939, which was a secret place where codebreakers worked during World War II. She also helped gather maps and information for the navy. Later, when they were in India, she led the Indian Women's Voluntary Service.
Their oldest daughter, Kathleen Margaret Godfrey, became an officer in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. She also worked as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park during the war.
Serving in World War I
During the First World War, Godfrey served on a ship called HMS Euryalus. He was part of important naval actions in 1915, including the Dardanelles Campaign. He also helped with operations in the Red Sea to support Arab forces. From 1916 to 1919, he worked for the Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet. After the war, from 1921 to 1931, he helped train other officers at the Royal Naval Staff College.
Important Roles Between Wars
From 1931 to 1933, Godfrey was in charge of two ships, HMS Kent and HMS Suffolk. They were part of the China Station, serving in Asia. After that, he worked at the Admiralty (the main office for the Royal Navy) from 1933 to 1935. There, he helped plan naval operations. From 1936 to 1939, he commanded a large warship called HMS Repulse.
When World War II began in 1939, John Henry Godfrey became the Director of Naval Intelligence. This meant he was in charge of gathering secret information for the navy. He held this very important job until 1942.
From 1943 to 1946, Admiral Godfrey was the Flag Officer Commanding the Royal Indian Navy. This was a big responsibility. During his time there, he faced a major challenge when sailors in the Royal Indian Navy protested.
Ranks, Awards, and Retirement
John Henry Godfrey rose through the ranks in the navy. He became a Captain in 1928, a Rear-Admiral in 1939, and a Vice-Admiral in 1942. He retired as an Admiral in 1945.
He received several important awards for his service. He was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1939. He also received the Order of the Nile from Egypt and was made a Chevalier of the French Legion d'Honneur.
After retiring from the navy, Godfrey continued to serve his community. He was the Chairman of the Chelsea Hospital Management Committee from 1949 to 1960. He also helped manage other hospitals and schools, and he founded the Centre for Spastic Children in Chelsea, which helped children with special needs.
The Real "M" from James Bond
Ian Fleming, the famous author of the James Bond books, worked under John Henry Godfrey during World War II. Fleming was part of the Naval Intelligence team that Godfrey led. It is widely believed that Fleming based the character "M," the head of the secret service MI6 and James Bond's boss, on Admiral Godfrey. Godfrey himself sometimes joked that Fleming "turned me into that unsavoury character, M."
In the 1960s, Godfrey shared his memories and writings with Churchill College, Cambridge. These writings included many details about his time leading naval intelligence. Admiral Godfrey passed away in Eastbourne in 1970.
