He served with the Rhodesian African Rifles (RAR) during the British colonial era and was mentioned in despatches for service during the Malayan Emergency.
After Rhodesia's 1965 unilateral declaration of independence from Britain Godwin remained with the RAR, rising to command its 1st battalion.
He had retired by 1975 but was brought back to help establish Guard Force, a new armed service that provided security to the protected villages.
Bill Godwin served as an officer in the Rhodesian African Rifles (RAR) during the period when Rhodesia was a British colony.
Godwin focussed on improving the leadership abilities of his junior officers and providing training in tracking skills.
[10] In retirement Godwin gave lectures in Cape Town to the South African Military History Society.