William Goat
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William Goat (or Goate) VC (12 January 1836 - 24 October 1901) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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[edit] Details
He was 22 years old, and a lance-corporal in the 9th Lancers (The Queen's Royal), British Army during the Indian rebellion of 1857-1858 when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 6 March 1858 at Lucknow, India, Lance-Corporal Goat dismounted in the presence of the enemy in order to take up the body of a major, which he then attempted to take off the field, but was forced to relinquish as he was surrounded by hostile cavalry. He did not, however, give up, but went a second time under heavy fire and recovered the body.
[edit] Further information
He later achieved the rank of corporal.
I have found the following reference/information on William Goate (with an e) The Evening News (Portsmouth) 25 October 1901, Page 6, Column 3.
'VC Man died at Southsea' William Goate, aged 64 died at 22 Leopold Street, Southsea, from cancer.
It mentions he had a strong resemblance to Lord Roberts and had the India medal with three clasps.
He came to Southsea in May 1900 having lived in Jarrow-on-Tyne and worked for 22 years in Palmers shipbuilding firm and that for 18 years he was a member of the Jarrow Company of the Volunteers in which he held the same rank as he did in the Lancers.
Goat was buried in Highland Road Cemetery and the grave has been reused since. There was no headstone marking his grave which is located in Plot E, Row 5, Grave 20, but a memorial stone was erected in October 2003[1]
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Regimental Museum of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers (The Strand, Derby, England).
[edit] References
- ^ See Find-A-Grave website
