The Airmen's Stories - W/Cdr. S F Godden

Stephen Frederick Godden was born on 26th December 1910 and was commissioned in the RAFO in March 1931. He was a member of the Cambridge University Air Squadron in 1932.

He relinquished his RAFO commission and joined the RAF in October 1932 with a permanent commission as a University Entrant.

Above: Godden at his wedding on 1st June 1937 to Ann Turner.

He was posted to 3 FTS Grantham and after training joined 19 Squadron at Duxford on 26th August 1933. Godden went on to the staff at 2 FTS Digby on 16th December 1935 and in late 1938 he was posted to the staff of the Inspector General RAF.

In June 1940 Godden was serving with HQ Air Component BAEF and was posted from there to 3 Squadron at Wick on 11th June as a supernumerary.

He took command of the squadron on the 16th.

Godden was posted to HQ 9 Group on 6th September 1940 but remained attached to 3 Squadron until its new CO, S/Ldr. GF Chater, arrived on 23rd September. Godden was detached to RAF Eastchurch as an Acting Wing Commander.

He was attached to RAF Wittering on 28th September then attached to HQ 12 Group on 28th October. This attachment ceased on 11th November 1940 and Godden was posted to HQ 9 Group.

A graduate of the Military Staff College and a Qualified Instructor, Godden retired from the RAF on 2nd September 1957 as a Wing Commander.

He died in August 1966.