Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John James Goodburn, a merchant’s labourer, born 1857 in Brentingby, Leicestershire and his wife Mary Goodburn (nee Atton, married in the 3rd quarter of 1881 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 15th August 1858 in Braunston, Rutland. Alfred, a schoolboy, was born in the 3rd quarter of 1885 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Emily, a schoolgirl, born 1883, William, a schoolboy, born 1884, John James, born 26th October 1886, Thomas, born 1889 and Arthur, born 1891, all his siblings were born in Melton Mowbray, also residing in the family home was Alfred’s cousin, Ernest Atton, a schoolboy, born 1881 in Rutland, in April 1891 the family home was at Wicklow Cottages, Albert Street, Melton Mowbray. In March 1901 Alfred was absent from the family home at 7, Mill Street, Melton Mowbray, residing there was his father, a railway carpenter, his mother and siblings, Emily a wool trade weaver, William, a fish shop assistant, John, an errand boy, Thomas, Arthur, George Henry, born 1894, Joseph Edgar, born 21st September 1894 and Eva Emma, born 3rd December 1897, the latter three siblings were all born in Melton Mowbray, Alfred was employed as a carter and was residing as a servant at Church Lane South, Sileby, Leicestershire. In April 1911 Alfred was absent from the family home at 33, Mill Street, Melton Mowbray, residing there was his father, a Midland Railway Company carpenter, his mother and siblings, Arthur, a farm cowman, George, a shoe maker’s apprentice, Joseph, a domestic gardener and Eva, a schoolgirl, Alfred was employed as a farm cowman and was residing as a boarder at 28, Regent Street, Melton Mowbray. In the 2nd quarter of 1917 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district, Alfred married Eliza Barratt. Eliza was born 22nd October 1888 in Wigston Magna, Leicestershire. In 1939 Alfred’s widow Eliza, was residing together with his widowed mother at 65, Mill Street, Melton Mowbray. Alfred had previously served with the 1/5th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment before being transferred to the 7th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, he was awarded the British War and Victory medals. His younger brother John James fell in action on the 27th January 1915.
The War Diary records: 26 Aug-18 – Ref. Map 57c S.W. Advance continued “A” and “B” Companies left and right front Companies, “C” and “D” support. 2.00pm line at grid line North and South M.29 central. Casualties 2nd Lieutenant R. GEARY, MC, 2nd Lieutenant F. BEARD, DCM, 2nd Lieutenant T. A. GRUNDLE all wounded in action. 7.00pm Battalion advanced to line beyond ridge through M.29.b. Battalion Headquarters at M.28.a.2.2. Casualties other ranks 105.
On Friday September 13th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – MELTON SOLDIERS KILLED. News reached Mr. and Mrs. John Goodburn, 33, Mill-st., Melton Mowbray, on Friday morning that their son, Lce.-Cpl. Alfred Goodburn, Lincoln’s, had been killed. The information was conveyed in the following letter: “Battalion Headquarters, B.E.F., Sept. 1st, 1918. Dear Mrs. Goodburn, I write these few lines to you to offer you my deepest sympathy in the loss of your son Alfred. I met him some weeks ago while we were resting in a village behind the line, and was very pleased to see him, I can assure you. So you can imagine my surprise when I heard he had paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence of his country. I went and saw him buried in a quiet spot on a hill side with some more of his comrades. I don’t think he would suffer any pain, as he was sniped through the head while helping to lift into a shell hole a pal who was wounded. No doubt he had written to you and mentioned me, the old Co-op baker. I may say Alf was well liked by all who came in contact with him. Both officers and men and I hope and trust God will give you strength to bear this awful blow. Again offering you my deepest sympathy, I remain, Yours respectfully, F. Dobney (Pte.).” Deceased who was 33 years of age, joined up on September 15th last year, and went out to France in April. For ten years previously he was in the employ of Messrs. Tebbutt and Co. He leaves a widow and young child. Mr. and Mrs. Goodburn are having their full share of misfortunes, as on January 27th, 1916, they lost their son, Pte. John James Goodburn, Northants Regt., and two other sons, Sergt. Wm. Goodburn, R.A.S., and Corpl. Edgar Goodburn, Canadians, have been wounded. The eldest son, Driver W. Goodburn, is now in Mesopotamia.