Harry Blanshard Wood
Corporal, 2nd. Battalion. Scots Guards
- Register No.
- 1322 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Corporal all Corporals →
- Unit
- 2nd. Battalion. Scots Guards all Scots Guards VCs →
- Date of action
- 13 October 1918 on this day → all of 1918 →
- Conflict / campaign
- First World War
- London Gazette
- 14th December 1918 on this day → all of 1918 →
- Born
- 21st June 1881 at Newton-on-Derwent, near York. *
- Died
- 15th August 1924 at Bristol
- Memorial / grave
- at Amos Vale Cemetery, Bristol
- Medal held by
- the York Castle Museum, York
Digest of citation
During operations at the village of St Python, France, on 13th October 1918, the advance was severely hampered by enemy machine guns, the streets being raked by fire. Corporal Wood's platoon sergeant was killed, the onus being placed on Corporal Wood to become its leader. The platoon's task was to secure the crossing of the River Selle after clearing up the western side of the village. It was imperative that the ruined bridge was captured, although sniper's, strategically placed, in front commanded the situation. Corporal Wood carried a large brick out into the open space and, lying down behind it, put up a continuous fire against the snipers. He ordered his platoon to work their way across under his covering fire. Under heavy and accurate fire from the enemy, he managed to keep firing until the whole of his platoon had reached the objective. Throughout the day his leadership was exemplary, with great disregard for his personal safety. Later, he repelled repeated enemy counter-attacks on his position. His gallantry contributed greatly to the success of the day's operations
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
WOOD, Harry Blanshard. (reg No 1322).
Corporal. 2nd. Battalion. Scots Guards.
London Gazetted on 14th December 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the York Castle Museum, York.
Born on 21st June 1881 at Newton-on-Derwent, near York. * Died on 15th August 1924 at Bristol.
Memorial on grave at Amos Vale Cemetery, Bristol.
Digest of Citation reads: During operations at the village of St Python, France, on 13th October 1918, the advance was severely hampered by enemy machine guns, the streets being raked by fire. Corporal Wood's platoon sergeant was killed, the onus being placed on Corporal Wood to become its leader. The platoon's task was to secure the crossing of the River Selle after clearing up the western side of the village. It was imperative that the ruined bridge was captured, although sniper's, strategically placed, in front commanded the situation. Corporal Wood carried a large brick out into the open space and, lying down behind it, put up a continuous fire against the snipers. He ordered his platoon to work their way across under his covering fire. Under heavy and accurate fire from the enemy, he managed to keep firing until the whole of his platoon had reached the objective. Throughout the day his leadership was exemplary, with great disregard for his personal safety. Later, he repelled repeated enemy counter-attacks on his position. His gallantry contributed greatly to the success of the day's operations.
Additional information:. * His place of birth is disputed in some circles. One saying that he was born at Newton-on- Derwent, Yorkshire. Others saying that he was born at Pocklington, Yorkshire. I Have no way at the moment on knowing if this is one and the same place. (I think not). He was the son of Mr John and Maria (née Dey) Wood. He was Educated at Strensall, near York. Joined the Scots Guards on the 3rd February 1903. As No. 4796, Private H B Wood in the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, where in October 1914, he was sent to the Europe War. As well as the Victoria Cross, he held the Military Medal and the 1914 Star. It was as No. 16444, Lance Sergeant Wood that he won his VC.
Additional information
* His place of birth is disputed in some circles. One saying that he was born at Newton-on- Derwent, Yorkshire. Others saying that he was born at Pocklington, Yorkshire. I Have no way at the moment on knowing if this is one and the same place. (I think not). He was the son of Mr John and Maria (née Dey) Wood. He was Educated at Strensall, near York. Joined the Scots Guards on the 3rd February 1903. As No. 4796, Private H B Wood in the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, where in October 1914, he was sent to the Europe War. As well as the Victoria Cross, he held the Military Medal and the 1914 Star. It was as No. 16444, Lance Sergeant Wood that he won his VC.
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: at Amos Vale Cemetery, Bristol
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
Research this recipient further
Would you like to honour Harry Blanshard Wood by sponsoring this page from £1 a month — in memory of someone, in your own name or for your company? Sponsor this page.