Sergeant John Gooding was born in approximately 1826 in Barking, Suffolk. He enlisted in 1844 at the age of 18 years.  He served with the 95th Derbyshire Regiment of Foot during the Crimean War of 1854-65 with No. 3 Company. He carried the Regimental Colour at the Battle of Alma on the 20th September 1854. He also served in the Indian Rebellion of 1857-58  and was a Colour Sergeant at the time.  He was discharged in the 1859.