godsmark_gilbert
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| Name: Gilbert Godsmark |
Nationality: England |
| Position: inside-right |
Signing Information: Transferred from: Ashford FC, 01/1900, £40 |
| Birthdate: 00-00-0000 |
Years at Club: 1900 |
| Age: () |
Debut: 03/02/1900 v Sheffield Wednesday (Bank Street) 1-0 (League Division Two) |
| Birthplace: Derby, England |
Previous clubs: Ashford FC |
| Height: |
Farewell to Manchester United: Joined Army, 04/1900 |
| Weight: |
Passed Away: 14/02/1901 |
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When Gilbert Godsmark was 13 years old, he got into a bit of trouble in his hometown of Derby. One day right after Sunday School, he was walking with a few of his friends down Trowels Lane when he hit upon the idea of climbing a fence, picking berries off a tree, and tossing them to the other boys. This went on until a constable spotted him in the act, with additional evidence all over the floor. Gilbert was taken to court but discharged once he promised not to do it again!
He got his life in order after that, getting picked up by Derby County as an inside-forward for their reserve team in the mid-1890s, before joining the British Army in 1896. He continued to play in the service and even got in trouble - again - in October 1897 when he was dismissed for kicking a player. In court, however, Gilbert pleaded that it was an accident and, when witnesses described him as a "good, steady, quiet player", he was let off with a one-week suspension! Better times followed: in 1899, he earned an Army Cup final runners-up medal with the Army Service Corps team in Aldershot.
Shortly after, Godsmark resumed civilian life and quickly hooked up with Ashford Town in September 1899. His partner in attack was Bob Donaldson, Newton Heath's former star, who was so impressed by the sturdy youngster "who was a clever shot from almost any position" that he soon recommended him to his previous club. Also in that front line was George Foley, and Bob sent him too Heath's way a fortnight later. Godsmark made his debut on February 3rd, 1900, at inside-right in place of Matthew Gillespie, who had struck a hat-trick in the previous league game!
Regardless, Gilbert himself impressed with his "dash and ability". He got on the scoresheet in 2 back-to-back wins that February and, in his 11th consecutive outing, he fired a brace past Luton Town. This was on March 31st, 1900, and fate decreed it to be his last ever match. The former soldier was now called up to fight in the Second Boer War in South Africa. Heath's loss paled into insignificance when news arrived that Gunner Godsmark of the 75th Battery Royal Field Artillery had contracted typhoid fever on the front line and passed away in Pretoria on February 14th, 1901. Only 24 years of age, he became Manchester United's first fatality.
Godsmark's death created an issue at Bank Street. Newton Heath had paid Ashford Town £20 up front for his services with another £20 to follow later. After he perished, the financially stricken Heathens tried to get away without sending over the remaining half, but that quickly changed once they were issued with a writ!. Driver 12690 Gilbert Godsmark lost his life whilst serving in the Army Service Corps att. 75th Battery Royal Field Artillery during the Boer War. Gilbert died of typhoid fever in Pretoria, South Africa in 14/02/1901. - No picture available Biography kindly provided by Charbel Boujaoude. |
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Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
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Cup Winners Cup |
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World Clubs Cup |
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Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
| 1 |
1899-1900 |
4 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
9 |
| TOTALS |
4 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
9 |
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