A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Godench, Francis
GODENCH. (Lieut., 1809. f-p., 18; h-p., 29.)
Francis Godench entered the Navy, 31 Aug. 1800, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Prince of Wales 98, Capt. Wm. Prowse, bearing the flag in the Channel of Sir Robt. Calder, under whom he attained the rating of Midshipman 1 March, 1801. Being paid off at the peace, on his return from a voyage to the West Indies, he next, in March, 1803, joined the Grampus, flag-ship of Sir Jas. Saumarez on the Guernsey station, but, rejoining the Prince of Wales in the following June, continued to serve in that ship, under Admirals Sir R. Calder, Billy Douglas, Sir Edw. Thornbrough, Sir J. Saumarez, and Lord Gambier, until Sept. 1807, and was consequently present in the action of 22 July, 1805, and in the attack upon Copenhagen. He then became Acting-Lieutenant of the Fearless gun-brig, Lieat.-Commanders John Williams and Abraham Garland, and, being confirmed in the rank he now holds, by commission dated 25 March, 1809, was afterwards appointed, in succession, to the Leyden 64, Capt. Thos. Ussher, Inflexible 64, Capt. Thos. Brown, Horatio 38, Capt. Geo. Scott, Redpole 10, Capt. Colin Macdonald, Action brig, Capts. Bertie Cornelius Cator, Wm. Jackson, and John Ross, and Rifleman 16, Capt. Geo. Bennett Allen. While in the Inflexible and Redpole, we find him visiting Halifax, the Baltic, Bermuda, New Providence, the Chesapeake, and Norway. Since 18 May, 1843, Lieut. Godench, who had not been employed for a period of 27 years, has been officiating as First of the Victory 104, guard-ship at Portsmouth, Capts. Wm. Wilmott Henderson, Geo. Moubray, and John Pasco. Agents – HaJlett and Robinson.