Wigan Album
Woodcock family
12 CommentsPhoto: TOM WALSH
Item #: 25359
The wreath is being carried by his Grand daughter Mrs Veronica Ashton.
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.
Wasn't Woodcock Street named after this brave Wiganer?
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.
Tom,
Thank you for posting this. Thomas was married to my husband's Aunt Mary (Mol) . She was a remarkable lady.
A very brave man,all his family must be very proud of him.RIP.
The plaque is in the foyer of Woodcock House I believe.
Thanks Gem - Things have changed - last time I was there was over thirty years ago , before the flats had a 'facelift'.
Yes the memorial is still there , in the main entrance hall
A very brave man, I am married to his great great, great niece, a true hero
My grandma was his sister the placque is on the wall at the entrance of woodcock house
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
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.