People Australia

Godfrey John Buckland, n.d. photographer unknown

from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour

GODFREY JOHN BUCKLAND was the son of Mr. Thomas Buckland (one of the Directors of the Bank of New South Wales) and Mrs. Mary Buckland. He was born at Charters Towers, Queensland, on 30th January, 1893, and was educated at the Church of England Grammar School, North Sydney; “Tudor House,” Moss Vale; and Barker College, Hornsby.

When the war broke out his parents were in England contemplating a Continental trip. On the declaration of war the trip was necessarily abandoned, and Godfrey Buckland, who was a fine horseman, enlisted on 26th August, 1914, in King Edward’s Horse.

After nine months training in England he proceeded to France and joined his regiment, but his military life was destined to last less than a year. He was in action at Ploegsteert Wood in July, 1915. On 7th August, 1915, he was standing with Lieutenant Frank Bethell and two others outside a dugout, when a German rifle grenade came over, striking Godfrey Buckland and two of his companions. Lieutenant Bethell rushed for help and promptly obtained it, but Godfrey Buckland cried: “See to the others; I’m done for.” He died very soon afterwards.