SPRATTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

Hugh was born in Barlavington, Sussex in 1899, the son of Annie and Albert E Gooden. His father Albert, who was born in Somerset, was a domestic gardener and the family moved about a great deal in search of work. Consequently the children of the marriage were born in a number of different places. When Hugh was 11 years old the family lived in Naseby where his father, Albert, worked as a gardener on a large estate. At some time between 1911 and 1918, Albert decided to retire from gardening and he became the landlord of The Chequers, a popular public house in Manor Road, Spratton. Three of the brothers served in the First World War - Sidney, Eric and Hugh.

Hugh was too young to be called up when war was declared, but he joined the 10th Battalion, the Royal West Kent Regiment in August 1917, served in France and Flanders and was severely wounded. He was discharged on 15 July 1919 and issued with a Silver War Badge to wear at home to show he had been wounded in the war.

Hugh was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal and died in March 1935.