The Allan and Janet Woodliffe Collection of Medals Relating to the Reconquest and Pacification of the Sudan

Eight: Major John Going, Army Veterinary Corps, who served throughout the Sudan, becoming Senior Veterinary Officer to the Sudan Defence Force

1914 Star, with copy clasp (Lieut., A.V.C.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oakleaf (Capt.); Jubilee 1935, unnamed; Egypt, Order of the Nile, 4th Class breast badge by Lattes, silver, silver-gilt and enamel, rosette on ribbon; Khedive’s Sudan 1910-22, 2nd issue, 1 clasp, Garjak Nuer, unnamed, mounted as worn; Defence and War Medals, unnamed, good very fine (8) £1200-1500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Allan and Janet Woodliffe Collection of Medals relating to the Reconquest and Pacification of The Sudan 1896-1956.

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John Going was born on 14 April 1890 at Kentstown, Meath. Ireland, the son of Mr. R. E. Going of 20 Barronscourt Rd., West Kensington. He was educated at St. Paul’s School, and Royal Veterinary College, Camden Town, graduating MRCVS on 18 July 1912. He was awarded the Gold Medal of the the Veterinary Medical Association in 1912.

Going joined the Army Veterinary Corps soon after graduating, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant at Aldershot on 5 October 1912. He was Veterinary Officer In Charge, 5th Royal Irish Lancers, at the Curragh, Dublin in June 1913, becoming VOIC, Dublin District in October. In January 1914 he was at the Veterinary Hospital, Curragh. On 14 April he was VOIC RA Field Camp, Wicklow.

He joined the Royal Scots Greys in York that June, departing with them for France on 17 August. He took part in operations in France and Belgium 18 August 1914-20 November 1917, while attached to the Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons). Going was promoted to Captain on 3 September 1915. He took over command of No. 7 Mobile Veterinary Station, France, in May 1915 and was mentioned in despatches on 29 May 1917.

His next duty was as VOIC HM Horse Transport, which sailed from Marselles to Alexandria, where he arrived on 20 November 1917. On arrival, he took over as officer commanding the Mobile Veterinary Section of 54 (Yeomanry) Division. He saw operations with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force 28 November 1917-16 July 1918 in Egypt and Palestine.

Going was seconded to the Egyptian Army, with the rank of Bimbashai (Major) on 16 July 1918, where he remained until 16 January 1925. He served on the Garjak Nuer patrol 1919-20, for which he was mentioned in despatches (AO 7 March 1921). He served in the Upper Nile Province 20 January 1920 to 16 February 1922, Kordofan 22 February 1922 to 27 November 1924, and Nuba Mountains 28 November 1925 to 31 December 1924. He was awarded the 4th Class of the Order of the Nile on 15 June 1922 (War Office Gazette No.13 of 1922).

Going retired from the British Army on 16 January 1925 to take up the position of Senior Inspector, Sudan Veterinary Service, in the newly formed Sudan Defence Force, remaining on the Reserve of Officers. He gained his Brevet Majority on 29 December 1929. He was discharged from the SDF on the account of chronic deafness on 29 December 1934. He was awarded the King’s Jubilee Medal 1935 confirmed on the roll as John Going, late Captain R.A.V.C., “Veterinary Inspector”. (Sudan Gov. Gazette #612 of 25 May 1935)

On retirement back in the UK he took a position as veterinarian to the Hook Greyhound Kennels at Northaw, Potters Bar, in Hertfordshire. Major Going was recalled to the colours on 29 December 1939 and posted as a veterinary officer at No.1 Reserve Veterinary Hospital, Doncaster. He was demobilised on 30 April 1945, presumably returning to his job at the greyhound kennels. Major Going died suddenly at home at Brackendale, Potters Bar. London on 4 March 1954.

With a folder containing copied research.