Belgian Decoration Militaire : Sergeant N F Woodworth, 26 Battalion, AIF Accession Number: REL/12632.004

Description

Belgian Decoration Militaire. Unnamed as issued, with orginal case of issue.

Contextual Description

Issued to 2714C Sergeant Norman Francis Woodworth who was born in Tenterfield, NSW, in 1887. Woodworth was working as a labourer when he enlisted in the AIF on 12 October 1915. After initial training he embarked for overseas from Sydney on HMAT Seang Bee, as private with 26 Infantry Battalion, on 21 October 1915. In March 1916 Woodworth transferred to 1 Pioneer Battalion. He was promoted to lance corporal in March 1917, to corporal in September 1917 and to Sergeant at the end of this year. Woodworth was awarded the Belgian Decoration Militaire in February 1918 for his actions at Zonnebeke and Ypres in September and October 1917. The recommendation for the award reads, ' On the morning of October 4th, 1917, Sgt. WOODWORTH was in charge of a detached party on forward communications near Zonnebeke. His party came under heavy fire and suffered numerous casualties. Sgt. WOODWORTH by his own splendid example of personal bravery and skilful handling of his men accomplished the work allotted to him. He did valuable work also in the evacuation of wounded at grave personal risk and throughout the day was a fine example of daring and devotion to duty. On Oct. 22nd whilst on DECAUVILLE Railway work near ZONNEBEKE Sgt. WOODWORTH’s Officer was wounded and compelled to leave the works. Sgt. WOODWORTH immediately took charge of the party and under demoralising fire maintained the working efficiency of this platoon. His personal bravery on this occasion was specially noteworthy. Sgt. WOODWORTH did much valuable work during September and October in the YPRES sector and has always been an inspiration to his men under trying conditions’ In 1918 he was detached from duty to attend a number of instructional courses in England, in gas warfare and bombing (grenade) techniques. He qualified as a bombing instructor in October 1918. Woodworth left Britain to return to Australia on 25 January 1919.