Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria including the collection to Naval Artificers formed by JH Deacon

Three: Lieutenant W. J. Wood, Middlesex Regiment, attached 16th (Queen’s Westminsters) Battalion, London Regiment

1914-15 Star (Lieut., Middx. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.); together with memorial plaque (William John Wood), extremely fine (4) £150-200

William John Wood was born in July 1890 and was educated at Herne Bay College and the Strand School, King’s College, London. Having been a member of the University’s O.T.C. for two years, he was commissioned into the 15th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment but was attached to the 16th Battalion, London Regiment in France. Wood was killed by a sniper on 7 November 1915, his father later recounting the incident in a letter to the editor of The King’s College Review:

‘He was killed last Sunday morning (November 7) at 8.30.a.m., whilst taking advantage of a mist to repair and drain trenches. The mist suddenly lifted; and my son, seeing the danger, for the Germans were only 150-200 yards away, was directing his men to take cover, when he was sniped, the bullet going through his heart and causing instant death. He was laid to rest the same day by the Chaplain who used to get him to help with an evening service when free; and he lies in a quiet little village where his grave will be well tended and cared for; it is a relief to know that his end was so peaceful.’ Wood was interred north of Potjze cross roads, near Ypres.