Edward Grey WOODHART

Regimental number2546
Place of birthGoulburn New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationJunior porter
AddressGoulburn, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, Edward Jacob Woodhart, Waterworks, Goulburn, New South Wales
Previous military service43rd Infantry
Enlistment date25 August 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name55th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/72/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on 30 September 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll55th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 23 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on the Hindenburg Line North of BELLICOURT on 30th September 1918. By his gallant conduct during the initial stages of the attack Corporal WOODHART led and inspired his men on to the trench which was captured and the occupants killed. Later the enemy lodged a powerful counter attack and as all the Officers and Senior N.C.O.s in the immediate vicinity had become casualties, he took charge and by good judgement and sound soldierly qualities so controlled and directed the fire of the Lewis Gunners and riflemen that the enemy never reached his trench. Many casualties were caused and the remainder of the huns were put to flight. This gallant N.C.O., by his conduct throughout the operation, so inspired and cheered his men, that much valuable work was done which contributed very largely to the success of the attack and to the failure of the enemy counter attack.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal