Cyril was born on 7 October 1910 in Cardiff, Wales to Joel and Rebecca nee Green. He married Rachel (Raie) Simmons in 1939 in Paddington and their daughter Elaine was born in 1940 in Cardiff.

In 1939 the family were living at 166 Lansdowne Road, Cardiff and Cyril was working as a canvasser (credit drapery) before he enlisted in early 1940.

Cyril died in hospital following an operation. The Gloucestershire Echo, 11 February 1943 states: Cpl Cyril H. GOLDMAN – 1129332 – Died in a service hospital while undergoing an operation for osteomyelitis of the skull, following a previous operation for mastoiditis. His death was recorded as ‘death by misadventure,’ and the coroner stated and added that in his opinion the operation was necessary, and skilfully and properly performed.