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Private James Park Woods VC |
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Private James Park Woods,
48th Battalion, was awarded his Victoria Cross near Le Verguier,
North-west of St Quentin, on 18th September 1918.
Born in Gawler, in 1891, Woods was employed as a vigneron in Caversham Western Australia at the time of his enlistment on 29th September 1916. Posted as a reinforcement to 48th Battalion, arriving at their position on 13th September 1917. Woods won his VC during the attack on the Hindenberg Line. His unit succeeded in capturing 480 prisoners along with the first objective. 46th Battalion fought through, and was subsequently held up on the right flank. A Company of 48th Battalion was sent to their aid, and Woods and three Compadres conducted a reconnaissance. |
| Locating a strongly held enemy position, with excellent fields of fire, Woods attacked. At least thirty enemy soldiers fled, leaving behind a four heavy and two light machineguns. They held the position against a strong counterattack, Woods lay on the parapet throwing bombs that were passed up to him. This continued until help arrived and consolidated the position. | |
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| Victoria Cross | British War Medal | Victory Medal |
