Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30770, VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/3/7. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. Z.1030 Corporal (Lance-Serjeant) Joseph Edward Woodall, Rifle Brigade (Salford). For most conspicuous bravery and fine leadership during an attack. On 22nd April 1918 at La Pannerie, France, Serjeant Woodall 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. Serjeant Woodall collected ten men and, with great dash and gallantry, rushed the farm and took thirty prisoners. Shortly afterwards, when the officer in charge was killed, he took entire command, reorganised the two platoons, and disposed them most skilfully. Throughout the day, in spite of intense shelling and machine-gun fire, this gallant Non-commissioned Officer was constantly on the move, encouraging the men and finding out and sending back invaluable information. The example set by Serjeant Woodall was simply magnificent, and had a marked effect on the troops. The success of the operation on this portion of the front is attributed almost entirely to his coolness, courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety.
Fold3_Team · Oct 31, 2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30770, VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/3/7. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. Z.1030 Corporal (Lance-Serjeant) Joseph Edward Woodall, Rifle Brigade (Salford). For most conspicuous bravery and fine leadership during an attack. On 22nd April 1918 at La Pannerie, France, Serjeant Woodall 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. Serjeant Woodall collected ten men and, with great dash and gallantry, rushed the farm and took thirty prisoners. Shortly afterwards, when the officer in charge was killed, he took entire command, reorganised the two platoons, and disposed them most skilfully. Throughout the day, in spite of intense shelling and machine-gun fire, this gallant Non-commissioned Officer was constantly on the move, encouraging the men and finding out and sending back invaluable information. The example set by Serjeant Woodall was simply magnificent, and had a marked effect on the troops. The success of the operation on this portion of the front is attributed almost entirely to his coolness, courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety.