William John Gould

Corporal William John "Billy" Gould
26 Mar 1907 - 03 Dec 1962
Biography

William Gould followed in his father's footsteps as a fruit farmer. He did not have the largest farm, but was respected as a knowledgeable grower. In 1945 he was elected to the committee of the Norfolk Fruit Growers' Association and in 1954 became it's chair. This resulted in his appointment as their representative to the National Farmer's Union Fruit Committee in London in 1959. He was also a Parish Councillor for many years and was it's vice-chair for the last three years of his life. He was a player and later treasurer and secretary of the Blofield and District Silver Band. As a young man he was a member of Acle Amateur Dramatic Society and Upton Choral Society.

Postings
Unit or location Role Posted from until
South Walsham Patrol Patrol Corporal Unknown 03 Dec 1944
National ID
TRBH 116/1
Occupation

Fruit grower & nurseryman

Career

His 1962 obituary mentioned that he had been part of the "202 Special Home Guard Division" - a reference to the 202 GHQ Reserve Battalion, Home Guard the Norfolk Patrols were part of. His son, Mr M Gould, knew about the OB’s location but not that it had been discovered. He told us that a hollow tree stump was used to conceal the chimney, and that his father had a case of hand grenades in the cupboard under the stairs along with a .303 rifle and a sten gun in the wardrobe.

Address
Mill Hill Gardens, Pilson Green, South Walsham, Norfolk
References

Son - Mr M Gould

Evelyn Simak

TNA ref WO199/3389

1939 Register

Norfolk Mercury 14 dec 1962