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Woodcock family

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Thomas Woodcock Laying a wreath at grave
Thomas Woodcock Laying a wreath at grave
Photo: TOM WALSH
Views: 3,880
Item #: 25359
Thomas Woodcock V.C. was born on March 19th, 1888 in Belvoir Street, Wigan. ... He lies buried in the British Military Cemetery at Douchy-les-Ayette, France.
The wreath is being carried by his Grand daughter Mrs Veronica Ashton.

Comment by: Thomas(Tom)Walsh on 15th July 2014 at 09:10

The Citation abridged .
ThomasWoodcock was 29 years old, and a private in the 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 12/13 September 1917 north of Broenbeek, Belgium, when an advanced post had held out for 96 hours and was finally forced to retire, the lance-sergeant (John Moyney) in charge of the party and Private Woodcock covered the retirement. After crossing the stream themselves, Private Woodcock heard cries for help behind him - he returned and waded into the stream amid a shower of bombs and rescued another member of the party whom he carried across open ground in daylight towards our front line, regardless of machine-gun fire.

Comment by: Alan H on 15th July 2014 at 10:49

Wasn't Woodcock Street named after this brave Wiganer?

Comment by: Mick on 15th July 2014 at 12:28

Alan H - I'm afraid not; Woodcock Street was there before World War One, and was named after a member of a well known nineteenth century Wigan banking family.
Woodcock House, Scholes was named after Thomas Woodcock. There used to be, and may still be, a plaque to his memory over the entrance to the building.

Comment by: tricia on 15th July 2014 at 16:35

Tom,
Thank you for posting this. Thomas was married to my husband's Aunt Mary (Mol) . She was a remarkable lady.

Comment by: Jim on 15th July 2014 at 23:52

A very brave man,all his family must be very proud of him.RIP.

Comment by: Gem on 16th July 2014 at 22:50

The plaque is in the foyer of Woodcock House I believe.

Comment by: Mick on 16th July 2014 at 23:48

Thanks Gem - Things have changed - last time I was there was over thirty years ago , before the flats had a 'facelift'.

Comment by: Paul Hayes on 2nd August 2014 at 03:50

Yes the memorial is still there , in the main entrance hall

Comment by: Malc on 9th November 2015 at 01:57

A very brave man, I am married to his great great, great niece, a true hero

Comment by: Kath Holcroft on 17th September 2018 at 12:20

My grandma was his sister the placque is on the wall at the entrance of woodcock house

Comment by: Liam tierney on 25th November 2023 at 02:05

Kath holcroft.. could you email me please? My grandad was Harry (henry) woodcock who moved to doncaster many years ago..

Email is Liamtierney271991@hotmail.com

Comment by: Colin Traynor on 25th November 2023 at 10:42

Yes lovely picture and lovely to remember and honour the sacrifices made.
I remember the unveiling of the Plaque at Woodcock House, there was quite a crowd.

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