Harry Blanshard Wood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Blanshard Wood
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Wood’s VC on display at York Castle Museum
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| Born | 21 June 1882 Newton on Derwent, Yorkshire |
| Died | 15 August 1924 (aged 42) Bristol |
| Buried |
Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bristol
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1903–1918 |
| Rank | Lance-Sergeant |
| Unit | Scots Guards |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Military Medal |
Harry Blanshard Wood (born June 21, 1882 – died August 15, 1924) was an English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC) and the Military Medal (MM). The Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery given to soldiers in Britain and the Commonwealth. It is given for amazing courage when facing the enemy.
Early Life and Military Service
Harry Wood was born on June 21, 1882, in Newton on Derwent, Yorkshire, England. His father, John Wood, worked as a farm labourer. Harry joined the British Army in 1903. He served in the Scots Guards, a famous part of the British Army.
Brave Actions in World War I
During World War I, Harry Wood was a corporal in the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards. He was 37 years old when he showed incredible bravery on October 13, 1918. This happened in a village called Saint-Python in France.
The fighting was very tough, and enemy fire was everywhere in the village streets. Harry's platoon sergeant was killed, so Harry took charge of the leading group of soldiers. They needed to cross the River Selle, but the bridge was destroyed. The area in front of the bridge was full of enemy snipers.
To protect his men, Corporal Wood found a large brick. He carried it into the open space and lay down behind it. From there, he kept firing at the snipers. This brave action allowed his men to safely cross the river. Later that day, he also successfully fought off several enemy attacks. For his courage, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
After the War and Legacy
After the war, Harry Wood was promoted to Lance-Sergeant. His experiences during the war deeply affected him.
Sadly, Harry Wood passed away on August 15, 1924, while on holiday. He was walking with his wife when a car drove onto the pavement towards them. His wife pushed him out of the way, but she was pinned against a wall. She had minor injuries, but Harry was very shaken by the accident and sadly passed away a few days later.
Harry Wood was buried at Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol, England. His Victoria Cross medal is now on display at the York Castle Museum, where people can see this important symbol of his bravery.
