14 Facts About Fred Godfrey

Fred Godfrey was the pen name of Llewellyn Williams, a World War I songwriter.

Fred Godfrey is best known for the songs "Take Me Back to Dear Old Blighty" and "Bless 'Em All", a 1940s hit recorded by George Formby that can be found on many war films.

Fred Godfrey was one of the sons of Robert Williams, an auctioneer, and Maria Jane Knight, a sailor's daughter.

Fred Godfrey's older brother, Charles Ellis Lloyd was a Welsh novelist.

Fred Godfrey began selling songs around 1906, with his first success a year later, when he teamed up with lyricist Harry Castling to produce two songs, which Billy Williams later recorded successfully.

Fred Godfrey wrote songs for Florrie Forde, Mark Sheridan, Dorothy Ward, Shaun Glenville, Ella Retford and Vesta Victoria.

Fred Godfrey was only paid a few guineas for each song, a common occurrence at the time.

Fred Godfrey was not business minded and generally sold his songs outright, rather than receiving royalties.

Fred Godfrey's song "Take Me Back to Dear Old Blighty" was recorded by Dorothy Ward in 1916 and quickly became a hit.

Fred Godfrey was transferred to the Royal Air Force in 1918, who released him from service to continue songwriting.

Fred Godfrey is credited with writing the lyric for "Bless 'Em All" in 1917.

In October 1939, Fred Godfrey's wife died from cancer at the age of 59.

Fred Godfrey spent his last years living with his eldest daughter in the North London suburb of Pinner.

Fred Godfrey died in a London hospital in 1953, still writing new song ideas.