Joseph Woodall VC

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have just found this on the Internet, I wish I could say, I remember the story, but I can't
menmedia.co.uk/salfordadvertiser/news/s/1188367_hero_of_world_war_one_is_forgotten_by_his_regiment

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I don't remember seeing this before. Maybe we can put something together on the SWARM website as a lasting tribute to this heroic man? WE will remember him.

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I think we should do Something Jim, and maybe get hold of the guy who got the memorial done, and direct him here

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Definitely. Wonder of the Salford Advertiser will put us in touch? I'm definitely going to have to look into his story.

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I will ring them tomorrow

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Joseph Edward Woodhall, born; 1 June 1896, Salford. Died; 2 January 1962, Dublin. Achieved the rank of Captain.

[Chatby]

Hello all,

for those who are interested, this article on Lanc-Sgt Joseph Edward Woodall VC. was taken fromthe Eccles & Patricroft Journal dated Friday 5th July 1918.

Regards

Paul

Attachments:

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Tony Flynn did an article last week...preceeded by this one.

www.salfordonline.com/localnews.php?func=viewdetails&vdetails=24079

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Nov 21, 2010 11:02:20 GMT Chatby said:

Hello all,

for those who are interested, this article on Lanc-Sgt Joseph Edward Woodall VC. was taken fromthe Eccles & Patricroft Journal dated Friday 5th July 1918.

Regards

Paul

Paul,

Thanks for posting, interesting read.

Garry

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Some interesting facts about the VC.

Made from gunmetal taken from the cascabels of two cannon taken from the Russians in Sabastopol, Crimea.

All medals made by Hancocks & Co, London.

First presented to 62 men on the 26th June 1857 by Queen Victoria. Over 100,000 people came to watch the presentation.

Only 8 men have forfeited their VC's, after a change to a clause all 8 names were restored to the register.

Only fourteen men born outside Britain or the Commonwealth have been awarded the VC. 5 Americans, 1 Belgian, 2 Germans, 3 Danes, 1 Swiss, 1 Swede & 1 Ukrainian.

Only 3 men have won a bar to the VC.

Four pair of brothers have won the VC.

More to follow.

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3 father and son pairs have won the VC.

5 civilians (under Military command) have been awarded the VC.

Youngest winner was 15, oldest 61.

The only award that is not gazetted is that to the American unknown soldier.

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Eccles Journal 1942

V.C.’s Brother

An interesting visitor to Eccles this week was Pte. Arthur Woodall, of the Royal Canadian Artillery, a native of Winton, who went to Canada about 13 years ago. A son of the late Mr and Mrs Thomas Woodall, Pte. Woodall is one of a large family and before going to Canada resided at Bridgewater St, Winton. He married a Canadian girl and has three children, his wife and children being in Canada. Three more brothers are serving with the British Army. They are Pte. George Woodall, Elliot Rd, Eccles (Lancashire Fusiliers), Pte. Harry Woodall, of Bridgewater St, Winton (King’s Own Royal Regt.), and Pte William Woodall, of Park St, Peel Green (South Lancashire Regt.). Their eldest brother, Joseph who resides in Bramhall, served with the Rifle Brigade in the last war, and had the distinction of being the only Eccles man to win the V.C. He attained the rank of sergeant* and the official account of his conduct stated that “he was in command of a platoon which during the advance was held up by a machine gun. On his own initiative he rushed forward and single handed captured the gun and eight men. After the objective had been gained heavy fire was encountered from a farmhouse some 200 yards in front. Sergt. Woodall collected 10 men, and with great dash and gallantry rushed the farm and took 30 prisoners. Shortly afterwards, when the officer in charge was killed, he took entire command, reorganizing two platoons and disposing them most successfully. The example set was simply magnificent and had a marked effect on the troops.”
Sergeant Woodall was the eldest of a family of 10, and there were five sisters between him and his four brothers who are now serving, the latter being too young to serve in the last war.
Pte. Arthur Woodall has been in the Canadian Army for some time. His relatives were surprised when he visited them this week. They were not aware that he was in this country.


*Joseph Woodall achieved the rank of Captain.

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