Rupert Victor Goodearl's memorial, High Wycombe Cemetery
Rupert Victor Goodearl 1887 – 1917
I was born to Benjamin and Ann Goodearl on the 28th February, 1887, in Lane End. My parents had lived around Lane End and what is now Desborough Road in High Wycombe, and my family had a long history in chairmaking. My father owned a chair making factory called ‘Goodearl And Sons’. The family had had multiple factories over the years, spread around High Wycombe, with many of my father’s siblings (my grandpa George Goodearl’s children) owning and sharing them. In fact my uncle, Richard Goodearl, became Wycombe’s mayor in November 1894, with large business capabilities.
When I grew up I lived in Wembley for a period of time and in 1907 married my wife Edith who had been born in London. We were married for 10 years. We emigrated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where I worked as a salesman, using my experience from our family business. Then the Great War began and I joined the Canadian Infantry and sailed for Europe. I became Corporal 795.
I fought in the in the 50th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (Alberta Regiment). We fought in numerous battles, including at Vimy Ridge and the Third Battle of Ypres. Overall, we fought for the defense of the Ypres Salient and advancement of allied forces in Flanders. I sustained injuries including severe bruising on my back, and a punctured thigh, and was granted leave for a short period in early 1917. Nonetheless I rose to the rank of Corporal.
I died during the actions of the Canadians in France and Flanders on 24th October, 1917, at the age of 30. It is said that I died instantaneously due to a small shell entering our trench, along with 2 others and that I was a conscientious, faithful NCO missed by all in my battalion.
Unfortunately, my family also lost Clifford James Goodearl (my nephew) and Alfred Bradford Goodearl (my uncle) in the war.
My Experience of the War:
I am remembered at the Menin Gate Memorial (panel 24-28-30) in Ypres, a memorial to those who died without trace during the defense of the Ypres Salient, at the war memorial at High Wycombe Hospital, on a plaque in the Wesley room of Prior Road Methodist Chapel and on a memorial plaque on this Joynson grave in Wycombe Cemetery
Now, the Goodearl family live in America, Australia, and the UK. Ken Goodearl has researched the family history, and my life, and my contribution to the war has been remembered.
Researched by Evan, Benjamin and Teo, John Hampden Grammar School
