There is a William Godden born Malling in Kent registered Jul/Sep 1880 and born 21 Jul 1880 and is only GRO entry for Kent that year. The RIC register has 1 Jun 1880. But Met Police records on census show he was a Police Sgt in 1911 and still in 1926 when he retired. So it is not him
1880 Jun 1 Kent
1921 Apr 18. Enlisted with RIC no 80604 & Adric 851. Labourer & ex-Soldier
Posted to 4 Gds