Capt. A.B. Woodgate, D.S.O, King's Own Royal Lancs. R.

[WarAndSon]

Added to our History section is the story of Capt. A.B. Woodgate's bravery in the hand-to-hand fighting of the underground mines at Le Touquet.

http://tinyurl.com/nla4vt2

There is also a first hand account of the gassing and bloodshed at Mouse Trap Farm (a.k.a Shell Trap Farm), taken from a section of the King's Own Regt. War Diaries.

We are interested to know why Lt. Leach, who received the M.C. for the same action, seems to garner more 'press coverage'! We found out that he was wounded in the leg, but would be interested to know if anybody on the forum had an account of his part in the fighting.

Thanks

[Archivist_47]

Major A B Woodgate retired to Folkestone in Kent where he worked as a part time teacher at Westbrook House School. Does anyone have any more biographical details? 

[corisande]

Both Ancestry and FmP have quite a bit - use his full name of " Austin Bradford Woodgate "

 

Among other things is a tree on Ancestry - click

[Archivist_47]

Thanks but my sub with Ancestry is the free one, so I cannot see that.

[corisande]

Regiment web site has a bit on him - click including photo

 

[corisande]

and his commission

[IPT]

Born 12th September 1884 in the Malacca Strait.

On 1891 census, living with Aunt Henrietta N Woodgate in Sandhurst.

On 1901 census, boarding in Oxford. Presumably St. Edward's School, Oxford. 1901 cricket team (my guess is back left)- http://ses.glio.me.uk/1901CricketXI.html

 

However, described in 1915 newspaper as an old boy of Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.

 

VC and DSO-Volume II

 

WOODGATE, AUSTIN BRADFORD, Capt., was born 12 Sept. 1884,only son of the late Alfred Henry Augustus Woodgate. He was educated at St.Edward's School, Oxford. He served with the 3rd Battn. (Militia) of the King'sOwn Regt., 1904-7, then resigned his commission, and served in the South African Mounted Police. He rejoined the Army after the declaration of war; was gazetted' Lieutenant to the 3rd Battn.The King's Own Royal Lancaster Regt.(attached 1st Battn.) in Sept. 1914;became Captain in Feb. 1915; Captain,1st Battn. East Lancashire Regt. 2 Oct.1915. Capt. Woodgate served in the European War from 1914 to 1916. He was thrice wounded; was awarded the Military Cross, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [LondonGazette, 24 July, 1915]: "Austin Bradford Woodgate, Capt., 3rd Battn. Royal Lancaster Regt. (attached 1st Battn.). For conspicuous gallantry on 24 May, 1915, when, after the Germans had captured the trenches held by the battalion on his right, he, with another officer and three men, held up the enemy from working along the trench. Although the enemy was in force and with an unlimited supply of hand-grenades, he not only held them up, but succeeded under a heavy shell fire in capturing two traverses and a German flag, which had been put up to mark their position. Capt. Woodgate also rendered invaluable service throughout the winter, especially during the under–ground fight in the mine gallery at Le Toquet." He was attached to the Machine Gun Corps 18 Dec. 1915, and became Temporary Major 16 Feb.,1918. Capt. Woodgate's favourite recreations are hockey and lawn tennis.

London Gazette, 7 Aug. 1915.-" Admiralty, 7 Aug. 1915. The King has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointment to the Distinguished Service Order of the undermentioned Officers, in recognition of their services in the patroi cruisers since the outbreak of war.

 

Possible 1939 marriage in Brentford to Mary R Achurch (not sure though, she would have been 29 years younger than him)

 

Died 1970 in Surrey.

[corisande]

Re his marriage, you can see the age of his wife is correct from her dob in 1939 register

[IPT]

Well played, ABW.

[clk]

Hi,

 

His MC index card shows that he was gazetted on 23rd June 1915. That issue of the London Gazette was for the King's birthday Honours Awards, so unfortunately there won't be a specific citation.

 

Image source: The National Archives - file WO 389/24

 

From the DSO registers, his citation per IPTs post

Image source: The National Archives - file WO 389/1

 

Regards

Chris

Edited 20 July , 2018 by clk

[Archivist_47]

Many thanks to you all for this great contribution to the history of A B Woodgate