8081: Henry Francis Woodward, Royal Engineers

online resource

posted on 2024-01-17, 10:53 authored by Lest We Forget Project Team

Henry Francis Woodward was born in 1880. He attended school in the Ewelme Benson area. On leaving school he followed his father into the building industry and trained as a bricklayer, working for Boshers in Cholsey and living with his family at 53 Honey Lane.

Henry enlisted into the Army when the war broke out. He was posted to the Royal Engineers and given regimental number 97037. After basic training, he landed in France on 16 October 1915 and began his period of active service. He served with 250th Tunnelling Company of the Royal Engineers.

In December 1915, Henry suffered the effects of a gas attack on his position. The war diaries were very general and no specific details are given (the diary states '85 men in hospital including 5 wounded').

Henry spent approximately four months in hospital until he finally succumbed to the effects of the gas. He died on 28 March 1916. He is buried in a cemetery near Étaples.

After the war, Henry's family was presented with his medals (1914-15 Star, British War with Victory) and also a memorial plaque.

History

Name of contributor(s)

Anon

Subject of the story/individual the object(s) relate to

Henry Francis Woodward, Sapper 97037, 250th Tunnelling Company Royal Engineers

Date(s) the event(s) in the story took place

1914-1916

Location(s) where the event(s) in the story took place

France

Object(s)

Photographs, certificate of marriage, letters, badges, 'The Briton in France' booklet, telegrams, newspaper cuttings, informal will, medals, graves registration form.