Royal Navy honour for John on his 100th birthday

There was a very special surprise for John Goodman, who celebrated his 100^th birthday at Tegfield House care home in Winchester on Thursday 12^th August.

To recognise his distinguished service in the Royal Navy during World War 2, the Royal Naval Association presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Stewart Maclean, Parade Marshall of the Association’s Area 3,  accompanied by Standard Bearer Richard Shenton, made the presentation.

As well as the Certificate,  Association Chairman, Keith Ridley wrote John a personal letter on behalf of its National Council to thank him for his service and convey their best wishes on his special birthday.

John’s birthday was celebrated at Tegfield House in Chilbolton Avenue, Winchester, where he was joined by his family members, residents, and staff for the presentation, followed by tea and the cutting of a 100^th birthday cake.

Born at Wotter in Dartmoor, Devon, John and his family moved to Plymouth when he was 11 where he attended Devonport High School. Having passed his A-levels, John was due to go to university to study English and French. However, with the outbreak of World War 2 in 1939, he joined the Royal Navy instead.

He served as an officer on many ships including HMS Gambia, King George VI (which sunk the Bismarck), and HMS Fiji (which was torpedoed). John sailed the world with the Royal Navy including as part of the Arctic Convoys. His overseas postings included Singapore, Malta, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, and South Africa.

Leaving the Royal Navy in 1971, John was Bursar of St Swithun’s School, Winchester, until his retirement. John also voluntarily taught chess to children in a local primary school.

John married his wife, June, during WWII and they were together for 65 years until June passed away. Together, they have four children, Rosemary, Peter, Fiona and Lucy. He also has 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

John was for 10 years a resident (Brother) of the St Cross Almshouse and made Brother Emeritus when he moved to Tegfield House in June.

A lover of jazz music and Frank Sinatra, John’s other hobbies include supporting Plymouth Argyle Football Club and hockey. He was a hockey player and umpire and attends Winchester Hockey Club games every Saturday with his daughters. For his long-standing support, the Club made him an Honorary Vice-President.

John’s other celebrations included a birthday tea at the Hotel du Vin, Winchester with his family, and attending Matins at the Church of St Cross before enjoying birthday coffee and cake with The Brothers.

Jo Aitken, Manager of Tegfield House, says: “It is such a pleasure to have John and his family as part of our Tegfield family. It was a real delight to make his day even more special with the Royal Naval Association and his family coming to join us. It is a day none of us will forget for a long time.”