A Collection of 1914 Stars to the Royal Naval Division

Five: Master at Arms W. N. Woodbridge, Benbow Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, a veteran of Antwerp and Gallipoli, who was later commissioned Lieutenant and served at RND Headquarters, Crystal Palace

1914 Star, with clasp (L.1067. W. Woodbridge, P.O. R.N.V.R. Benbow Bttn. R.N.D.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. W. N. Woobridge. R.N.V.R.); Defence Medal; Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (1067 W. N. Woodbridge, C.P.O. London Divn. R.N.V.R.) mounted for display, last officially renamed, generally very fine (5) £300-£400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of 1914 Stars to the Royal Naval Division.

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William Norman Woodbridge was born in February 1886. He joined the London Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in March 1911, and at the time was a Bank Clerk who resided in Penge, Kent. Woodbridge advanced to Petty Officer, and was posted to the Benbow Battalion, Royal Naval Division in August 1914. He served with the Battalion during the defence of the Antwerp, and was one of the few men of Benbow who managed to avoid capture or internment.

Woodbridge returned to the UK, advanced to Chief Petty Officer, and was then posted for service in Gallipoli. He advanced to Master at Arms in May 1916, and was selected for officer training in June 1917. Woodbridge was commissioned Temporary Sub Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in June 1918. He served at RND Headquarters, Crystal Palace until he was demobilised in February 1919.

Woodbridge re-engaged for service as a Lieutenant (Sp), R.N.V.R. during the Second World War, and was released from naval service in 1948 (having served as an officer in the Sea Cadet Corps).

Sold with copied research.