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Biography of Ken Goldsborough

KENNETH GOLDSBROUGH

The only son of Henry Goldsbrough and Lily (nee Wilson) he survived a life-threatening bout of pneumonia in childhood.  Ken went on to have a varied and adventurous career as a post-war soldier in the Royal Artillery, a policeman in both the Palestine and UK forces, a prison officer, a fireman, in the latter case as a highly respected Sub-Officer, and a court usher. On one occasion whilst serving in Palestine, Ken and a mate had a lucky escape.  Local terrorists, fighting for a Jewish homeland, opened fire with Sten-guns, leaving the two Britons no option but to dive through a plate-glass window.  Ken’s old fire-station commander was always quick to praise Ken’s steadfast reliability in a dangerous situation. 

Ken was a good pianist and a classical-music buff as well as commanding officer of the local Army Cadets.  During manoeuvres on the Isle of Man, Ken gave his charges a lecture on the importance of physical fitness and stamina.  Assaulting a hill, he found himself quickly lagging behind, so promptly commandeered a tourist train, hitching a ride to the summit and arriving in good time to greet his amazed “troops!”

Ken was married to Ellen (nee Robinson) and sadly passed away in 2007.  The couple had a son and a daughter.

Source: “The Wilsons of Whitby and West Hartlepool,” Vol. 4 by Stuart James Wilson.  See also images.          

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