Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘8th Army, Italian Front’ M.M. group of six awarded to Battery Sergeant Major Thomas Woodward, 132nd (Welsh) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (784502 W.O. Cl. 2.. T. Woodward. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for display, nearly very fine (6) £700-£900

M.M. London Gazette 28 June 1945.

The original recommendation, available online, states: ‘W/WO II (BSM) Thomas Woodward, 132nd (Welsh) Field Regt R.A.
On the Fifth Army Front on 11 October 1944 BSM Woodward’s Battery came into action at Castel del Rio (Italy) and on that and the following day was shelled by 170mm and lighter shells causing casualties. BSM Woodward throughout was indefatigable in getting the Troop into action and dug in under cover in the shortest possible time, so that the Battery was able to support its Infantry with the least delay.
Again on 7 November 1944 near Sassaleone (Italy) while the Battery was being shelled he rallied some fresh reinforcements who had taken cover, thus enabling the work of the Battery to proceed.
This WO has fought with his Battery, first as No 1 and then Troop BSM since the Regiment landed in Africa in November 1942. During the whole period his conduct has been beyond praise for courage, sheer hard work, unfailing initiative and cheerful resource alike under shellfire and in very adverse weather conditions.
For instance at Tebourba he fought his gun with great coolness when 3 or 4 tanks were knocked out and he was wounded. BSM Woodward has proven himself to be a consistently hardworking WO or NCO who always gives all he has got especially under shellfire and in the worst conditions, showing a wonderful spirit and encouragement to all ranks at all times thus doing a very great deal towards winning the war as far as his Troop and Battery are concerned.’