Godfrey, John Henry

Operation Postmaster (1942)

Date of birth:: July 10th, 1888 (Handsworth/West Midlands, United Kingdom)
Date of death:: August 29th, 1970 (Eastbourne/Sussex, United Kingdom)
Nationality:: British

Biography

A specialist in naval navigation, John Henry Godfrey served with distinction in both World Wars. During WWI, he took part in the Dardanelles Campaign and Red Sea operations supporting Arab forces. Between the wars, he held senior instructional and command roles, including leadership of HMS Kent, HMS Suffolk, and HMS Repulse.

During the Second World War, Godfrey became Director of Naval Intelligence (1939–1942), overseeing critical intelligence operations. From 1943 to 1946, he commanded the Royal Indian Navy, notably during the 1946 mutiny, responding with the ultimatum “Submit or perish.”

After retiring, Godfrey remained active in hospital governance and founded the Centre for Spastic Children in Chelsea. He died in Eastbourne in 1970.

30 October 1908 – Promoted to Lieutenant
30 October 1916 – Promoted to Lieutenant-Commander
30 June 1920 – Promoted to Commander
30 June 1928 – Promoted to Captain
22 February 1939 – Promoted to Rear-Admiral
15 September 1942 – Promoted to Vice-Admiral
25 September 1945 – Promoted to Admiral (Retired List)

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!