William Goodenough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir William Goodenough
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| Born | 2 June 1867 Portsmouth, England |
| Died | 30 January 1945 (aged 77) Coulsdon, Surrey, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1882–1930 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | HMS Albemarle HMS Vengeance HMS Duncan HMS Cochrane HMS Colossus 2nd Light Cruiser Squadron Africa Station Nore Command |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Member of the Royal Victorian Order |
Sir William Edmund Goodenough was a very important officer in the Royal Navy. He was an Admiral who served during World War I. He was born on June 2, 1867, and passed away on January 30, 1945.
William Goodenough started his career in the Royal Navy in 1882. This was when he was just 15 years old. He quickly moved up in rank.
In 1905, he became the Commander of the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. This college is where young people train to become naval officers.
Later, he was given command of two important ships. In 1910, he commanded the cruiser HMS Cochrane. The next year, in 1911, he took charge of the large battleship HMS Colossus.
World War I Heroics
Sir William Goodenough played a big role in World War I. From 1913 to 1916, he led the 2nd Light Cruiser Squadron. This group of fast ships was very important in naval battles.
He took part in several major battles:
- The Battle of Heligoland Bight in August 1914.
- The Battle of Dogger Bank in January 1915.
- The famous Battle of Jutland in May and June 1916.
For his brave service, he received an award called the Companion of the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.). This happened on June 3, 1916. Just a week later, on June 10, he was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral.
Life After the War
After World War I ended, Sir William Goodenough continued his important work. He became the Superintendent at Chatham Dockyard. A dockyard is a place where ships are built and repaired.
From 1920, he was the Commander-in-Chief at the Africa Station. This meant he was in charge of all naval operations in that large area.
In 1923, he became the Vice Admiral commanding the Reserve Fleet. These were ships kept ready for use if needed. The next year, in 1924, he was made Commander-in-Chief, The Nore.
From 1929 to 1930, he served as the main naval aide to King George V. He retired from the Royal Navy in 1930.
Even in retirement, he stayed active. From 1930 to 1933, he was the president of the Royal Geographical Society. This society promotes geographical exploration and research. Sir William Goodenough passed away in 1945.
