Joseph Edward Woodall

Joseph Edward Woodall VC (1 June 1896-2 January 1962) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

Woodall was 21 years old and a Lance-Sergeant in the 1st Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 22 April 1918 at La Pannerie, France, Lance-Sergeant Woodall was in charge of a platoon which was held up during an advance by a machine gun. On his own initiative he rushed forward and single-handedly captured the gun and eight men. He then collected 10 men and rushed a farmhouse from which heavy fire was coming, taking 30 prisoners. Shortly afterwards when the officer in charge was killed, he took entire command, reorganising and disposing the two platoons most skilfully. Throughout the day this NCO was constantly encouraging the men and finding out and sending back invaluable information.

Further information

He later achieved the rank of Captain.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Green Jackets Museum "(Winchester, England)".

References

*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
*VCs of the First World War - Spring Offensive 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 1997)

External links

* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/dublin.htm Location of grave and VC medal] "(Dublin)"