Personal Details
James Henry Wood, born in Barbridge, Cheshire in 1886, the eldest son of James and Sarah Wood of The Lock House, Grindley Brook, Whitchurch.
James was working as a Porter in a Canal Warehouse at Pontcysyllte Wharf, Trevor, Denbighshire.
Military Details
Regiment : 10th (Service) Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, formerly Royal Field Artillery No 137203
Rank : Private
Service Number : 26100
Killed in Action; France 12th October 1918 Age 33
The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.
The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.
Further Information
If you can provide any further information on James Henry Wood please get in touch by leaving a comment below, using our Contact Form or by calling in to Whitchurch Heritage Centre.
Information provided by Terry Evanson Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives
This is my great uncle. He was the second child and eldest son of james and sarah. I believe he is commemorated on the war memorial on station road. He had 4 brothers all of whom survived ww1, however his youngest brother Charles Harold died whilst serving in India in 1920. He also had 4 sisters.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for the additional information, it all helps to build up a picture of James. Do you have any other information, papers or images that we could add to his page?
Thanks for taking the time to look and comment.
Ian