Joseph Edward Woodall

Joseph Edward Woodall VC (1 June 1896 – 2 January 1962) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

Woodall was 21 years old and a Lance-Sergeant in the 1st Battalion, The Rifle Brigade , British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 11 April 1918 the 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade was rushed up in buses to a position on the La Bassée Canal in order to try and stem the German breakthrough on the Lys. Over the next eleven days it was involved in severe fighting in the area around Hinges and Robecq. On 22 April, 1st Bn, Rifle Brigade, together with the 1st Hampshires, took part in an attack which helped to secure the Canal. It was during this fighting that Lance Sergeant Joseph Woodall won his Victoria Cross on the far side of the canal at La Pannerie, near Hinges.

His citation read:

La Pannerie, France, 22 April 1918, Lance Sergeant Joseph Edward Woodall, 1st Bn, The Rifle Brigade.

For most conspicuous bravery and fine leadership during an attack. ( La Pannerie, France ) Sjt. Woodall was in command of a platoon which, during an 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. Sjt....
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