World War I British Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. At age 19, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 8th Battalion of the British Rifle Brigade, during the First World War. On July 30, 1915, at Hooge Belgium, a group of German soldiers broke through the center of his command's front line trenches. 2nd Lieutenant Woodroffe's position was heavily attacked with bombs from the flank and rear, but he managed to defend his post until all his bombs were exhausted. He then skillfully withdrew his remaining men and immediately led them forward in a counter attack. Under intense machine gun fire, while in the act of cutting the forward wire obstacles to open for his men, he was killed. For most prestigious gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously awarded the British Victoria Cross in September 1915. He was one of four sons of Henry L. and Clara Woodroffe, two of whom also fell, namely Lieutenant Kenneth Herbert Clayton Woodroffe and Captain Leslie Woodroffe.
World War I British Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. At age 19, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 8th Battalion of the British Rifle Brigade, during the First World War. On July 30, 1915, at Hooge Belgium, a group of German soldiers broke through the center of his command's front line trenches. 2nd Lieutenant Woodroffe's position was heavily attacked with bombs from the flank and rear, but he managed to defend his post until all his bombs were exhausted. He then skillfully withdrew his remaining men and immediately led them forward in a counter attack. Under intense machine gun fire, while in the act of cutting the forward wire obstacles to open for his men, he was killed. For most prestigious gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously awarded the British Victoria Cross in September 1915. He was one of four sons of Henry L. and Clara Woodroffe, two of whom also fell, namely Lieutenant Kenneth Herbert Clayton Woodroffe and Captain Leslie Woodroffe.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
RIFLE BRIGADE
SECOND LIEUT.
V.C. WOODROFFE S.C.
Gravesite Details
Final resting place unknown. Name listed on the Memorial
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