Sidney Woodroffe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sidney Clayton Woodroffe
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| Born | 17 December 1895 Lewes, Sussex, England |
| Died | 30 July 1915 (aged 19) Hooge, Flanders, Belgium |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1915 † |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own) |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
| Relations | Kenneth Woodroffe (brother) |
Sidney Clayton Woodroffe was a brave officer in the British Army. He was born in England on December 17, 1895. He earned the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy for British and Commonwealth soldiers.
Sidney was only 19 years old when he died during World War I. He showed incredible courage and sacrifice.
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Early Life and Military Service
Sidney Clayton Woodroffe was born in Lewes, a town in East Sussex, England. He went to school at Marlborough College.
When the First World War began, Sidney joined the army. He became a second lieutenant, which is a junior officer rank. He served with the 8th Battalion of The Rifle Brigade.
A Heroic Act of Bravery
On July 30, 1915, a fierce battle took place in Hooge, Belgium. Enemy soldiers broke through the front lines. Second Lieutenant Woodroffe's position was attacked from all sides with bombs.
He bravely defended his post until he ran out of bombs. Then, he cleverly led his remaining soldiers to safety. Right away, he led them back into the fight. They counter-attacked under heavy gunfire.
Sidney Woodroffe was killed while cutting through wire obstacles in the open. His actions helped protect his fellow soldiers.
Remembering Sidney Woodroffe
Sidney Woodroffe has no known grave. His name is honored at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium. This memorial remembers soldiers who died in the area with no known grave. He is also listed on the Lewes War Memorial in his hometown.
The Victoria Cross Medal
The Victoria Cross is a very special medal. It is given for extreme bravery. Sidney Woodroffe's medal is now part of the Lord Ashcroft V.C. Trust Collection. You can see it at the Imperial War Museum.
More About Sidney
Sidney Woodroffe had a brother named Kenneth Woodroffe. Kenneth was a cricketer who played for Hampshire and Sussex. Sadly, Kenneth also died in 1915 while serving in the same Rifle Brigade as Sidney.
A famous war poet, Charles Sorley, knew Sidney from Marlborough College. Charles Sorley wrote a poem dedicated to Sidney, called 'In Memoriam SCW VC'.
