Goadby transferred to the British Indian Army in 1926, in the rank of captain, and served with the 3rd Sikh Pioneers and 6th Rajputana Rifles.

He had a long association with the Royal British Legion, serving as chairman and then president of their Oxfordshire branch from 1953 until 1977.

[1] Goadby attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst from 1917 and whilst there was known as the "gardener-in-chief" because of his fascination with flowers.

[4][5] Goadby served in the Waziristan campaign against rebel tribes during 1922 and 1923 and, on 20 May 1924, was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of this.

[3] One of his duties in India was to review routes used by the British armed forces, which involved walking hundreds of miles at high altitudes.

[12] Goadby served in the Burma campaign and was twice honoured with mentions in despatches for "gallant and distinguished service", on 19 July 1945 and 10 January 1946.

[13][14] Goadby held the temporary rank of brigadier by the time he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire on 14 August 1947.

Goadby reckoned that he served on 44 committees[1] but prioritised the Royal British Legion, of whose Oxfordshire branch he became chairman in 1953.

[20][3] Goadby and his wife moved from Gaunt Mill in 1981, entering a Royal British Legion flat in Kidlington.