A Remarkable Man David Golding

through the door

History 11

David Golding, a remarkable man By Mark Phillips

The exploits of the heroes of the Battle of Britain and the incredible feat of the Dambusters are legendary; however relatively little is heard of the achievements of aircrew who tackled the Japanese enemy in the Far East during World War II.

Ninety-seven-year -old Arundel man David Golding passed away peacefully on September 16th this year. His wartime experiences as a flight navigator on four-engine B24 bombers in Asia were legendary among his friends. David could often be found holding court on his usual stool in the Kings Arms in Arundel while the younger generation listened in fascination to stories of his exploits. He spoke of them without a trace of gung-ho in his voice but with plenty of dry humour. David Golding wearing his medals - April 2017

But ask this well-spoken and immaculately turned out gentleman about the dangers he faced when attacking targets that were fiercely defended by Japanese aircraft and ground fire, he would dismiss them as nothing out of the ordinary, “We weren’t really brave, we were just young men doing our jobs. You never thought you were going to die; it was always going to be the other chap.”

David completed his tour of Asia on April 2, 1945, having flown 38 missions for a total of 300 hours and 30 minutes operational flying and being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. (DFC)

After leaving the RAF David worked many years for Phoenix Assurance, eventually becoming the Brighton manager. Retiring when he was 62 and having always had an interest in antiques, he opened a small shop in Arundel with his wife Pat which they ran until 2000. He later became the Arundel town crier and could be seen, and most certainly heard, Arundel Town Crier - c2002 dressed in the traditional robes of office in the town square carrying out his duties; always the professional.

Only five years ago, at the age of 92, David conducted an illustrated talk in Arundel entitled ‘How I Didn’t Win the War’, a typical statement from this very distinguished but extremely modest man who lived through experiences most of us can’t even imagine. Although he did raise a smile towards the end of his talk when his son read out the words of bravery and dedication to duty from the letter that accompanied his award with the comment, David finished with the words, “Quite right too!”

Never one to just sit around, David worked as a guide at Arundel castle for 10 years and just four years ago, at the age of 93, he was still active, working as a volunteer guide at Arundel museum.

As well as a wellknown and muchloved resident of the town, David was also a very good friend of mine. We spent many hours chatting over a drink, over lunch or in the museum and I still remember many of the wonderful memories and stories that he shared with me. I feel immensely privileged to have known this remarkable man, he was one of the last of the brave men who fought in WWII for our freedom. He will be missed by many. 2004 - Arundel Museum volunteer

By Mark Phillips with thanks to Joanne Rothery for some notes.

2016 - David on his regular stool in the Kings Arms.