★
Loading archive…
Service Profile
- Branch
- British Army
- Rank
- Lance Corporal
- Service Era
- World War I
- Medals Recorded
- 4
Awards & Decorations
Ribbon Rack
Biography
Carried wounded men to safety under heavy rifle fire
Thomas Woodcock was born at Wigan in 1888 and grew up in a large mining family. He enlisted in the Irish Guards in May 1915 and reached France that December. After illness and training as a Lewis gunner, he served with the 2nd Battalion.
North of Broenbeek on 12-13 September 1917, an isolated post had resisted for four days before withdrawal became unavoidable. Woodcock and John Moyney covered the retirement. Having crossed a stream, Woodcock heard a wounded comrade calling behind him. He went back through bombs and machine-gun fire, brought the man across and carried him over open ground. He received the Victoria Cross.
He returned home on leave in early 1918 and received his decoration from King George V in March. He then returned to France. On 27 March 1918 he was killed during the German offensive near Bullecourt. He was buried at Douchy-les-Ayette.
Support & adopt
Become the named supporter for this profile and edit the tribute biography and portrait (Owner account required). Proceeds help keep the archive online.
$25 USD / year — annual sponsorship renewal. Keeps the page online and, where enabled, the family anniversary remembrance emails active.