| Surname: | Golding |
| Initials: | E |
| Rank: | Pte A/SQMS |
| Army Number: | 1328 |
| Notes: | MFP. XIV Corps. From Bensham. Formerly Pte. Coldsteam Guards, No. 8673. Awarded the 1914 Star, Victory and War Medals. First served abroad (1) France, 13/8/1915 Post 1920 No. 7681368. A Mons Veteran. Cpl E Golding, MFP, whose portrait appears on this page, is one of the few Policemen now surviving who took part in the historic retreat from Mons, which was celebrated at the Albert Hall a fortnight ago. Before the outbreak of war he was a Constable on the North-Eastern Railway, stationed at Newcastle. He had previously served three years with the Coldstream Guards, and being on the Reserve was called up on the outbreak of war. He left England on August 12th 1914, for France, and went through the retreat from Mons. After 12 days' long marching he took part in the battle of the Marne, Sept 6th 1914. He was wounded at the battle of the Aisne on Sept 24th, and after he had recovered from is wounds he met his regiment on the line of march, and was wounded again in the battle of Ypres. He fought through Givenchy and Festubert and Loos, where he was wounded a third time. He was then transferred to the MFP. On October 18th last he was on traffic duty and when the traffic was at its worst the German airmen dropped bombs all round the village in which he was working. He stood on duty until the traffic was clear, and for his he was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty by the Corps Commander of the ANZAC's. Police Review, 28/12/1917, page 412. Military Honours. On September 6th last and interesting ceremony took place at Newcastle, when Cpl Elijah Golding, MFP, who prior to being called up as a Reservist in the Coldstream Guards at the commencement of the war was a NER Constable at Newcastle, was presented, by the Acting Chief of Police in the presence of a large number of his comrades, with the MM awarded him for gallantry and devotion to duty in France October, 1917. Cpl Golding, who has been three times wounded, has been on active service at Mons, the Marne and the Aisne. In July, 1916, he was transferred to the MFP, where his devotion to duty during a bombardment was noticed by a General Commanding the ANZAC's, who recommended him for special recognition. He has since been mentioned in despatches by Sir Douglas Haig. On the same occasion a silver cigarette case suitably inscribed and some cigarettes were also presented to Cpl Golding. Cpl Golding, acknowledging the presentations, said he was proud to meet his old comrades under such circumstances; he was going back to the front, but hoped to be amongst them again before long. Police Review, 11/10/1918, page 324. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Mention in Despatches (London Gazette: 30445 Page: 13492 Dec. 24, 1917) |
| Citation: | France & Flanders. |
| Decoration: | Military Medal (London Gazette: 30498 Page: 1386 Jan. 28, 1918) |
| Citation: | See notes above from the Police Review, page 412, 28/12/1917 and page 324, 11/10/1918 for more details. |