William John WOODWARD

Regimental number12/1841
Date of birth20 July 1879
Place of birthLondon, England
ReligionProtestant
OccupationSeaman
AddressOneroa, Waitemata, Auckland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation35
Height5' 11"
Weight161 lbs
Next of kinSister, Mrs H Smith, 10 St Marys Road, Ponsonby Auckland
Enlistment date14 December 1914
Place of enlistmentTrentham
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, 3rd Reinforcements, Auckland Infantry Battalion
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on board HMNZT 4 Tahiti on 14 February 1915
Final rank2nd Lieutenant
Final unit1st Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment
FateCommenced return to New Zealand
Medals

Military Cross

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty from 29th September to 3rd October 1918, during offensive operations east of Ribencourt and Masnieres. As bombing officer he superintended the formation of ammunition-dumps and the distribution of the same to the forward companies. Although under intense fire most of the time, especially when he, another officer, and two men, were in the centre of an artillery 'crash', the officer being wounded, he at all times kept the troops supplied with their requirements of munitions. He saved the officer?s life by bandaging his wounds and conveying him to safety.
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 31 January 1919

Discharge date21 March 1919
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death3 September 1953
Age at death74
Place of burialSt Mary's Pioneer Cemetery, Torbay, North Shore, Auckland
SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 1: Auckland Infantry Batln/Third