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Gosford District Casualties of World War One Woodbury, Sidney Joseph Service Number 285 Killed in Action 16th April 1918 France
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Woodbury, Sidney

Jul 22, 2016

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Service Number 285. Killed in Action 16th April 1918. France.
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Page 1: Woodbury, Sidney

Gosford District Casualties of World War One

Bragg, Edmund Allen Service Number 1494

Killed in Action 19th May 1915 Gallipoli Peninsula

Gosford District Casualties of World War One

Woodbury, Sidney Joseph Service Number 285

Killed in Action 16th April 1918 France

Page 2: Woodbury, Sidney

Gosford City Council gratefully acknowledges the voluntary efforts of

Benalyn Campbell

And Vivienne Tranter

in compiling this resource

The information in this file has been extracted from official records

held in the

The Australian War Memorial and

National Archives of Australia

(© Commonwealth of Australia [National Archives of Australia] 2013)

Further information on this soldier may be found online at:

Commonwealth War Graves

The AIF project

Content advisory: This file may potentially contain disturbing accounts of service-related injury and death, disease and family grief. Adult supervision is recommended for children

using these resources. Individual files should be viewed within the context

provided by wider research on service conditions in the 1st AIF.

This resource is presented by Gosford City Council

for research purposes only. Please note that copyright for resources

contained within remains with the original copyright owners.

Page 3: Woodbury, Sidney

NAME Woodbury, Sidney Joseph

SERVICE NO 285

UNIT 5th Machine Gun, 18

th Battalion

RANK Private

AGE at Enlistment 27 yrs 10 mths

PLACE OF BIRTH Lower Mangrove

ADDRESS

OCCUPATION Labourer

DATE OF ENLISTMENT 2 Feb 1915

PLACE OF ENLISTMENT Liverpool, NSW

PREVIOUS SERVICE Nil

NEXT OF KIN Father;- Edwin Joseph Woodbury, Mount Carmel, Lower Mangrove

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION Height-5’9½”. Weight-145lbs. Chest-30-34”. Complexion-Dark. Eyes-Brown. Hair-Black. Scar on R/Thigh

RELIGION R/C

EMBARKED 25 Jun 1915- Sydney per A40 “Ceramic”

DISEMBARKED

NOTES Married to Hilda , 1 Victoria Place Surry Hills, NSW Widow re-married F A Mowbray, Keira Ave Hurlstone Park, NSW

WOUNDED/ILLNESS 30 Aug 1915-14 Sept 1915- Hospital 28 Aug 1916-VD- Camiers, France re-joined unit 10 Jan 1917

DIED 16 Apr 1918-Boves

BURIED Amiens Nth Group of Cemetries Boves West Com. Cem. France

MEDALS 1914-15 Star-17324, British War Medal-23400, Victory Medal-23231. Memorial Plaque & Scroll-343808.

DEPENDANTS

PERSONAL EFFECTS 2 Money Belts, 1 rosary, 2 handkerchiefs, 1 note book/

WILL Beneficiary;- mother Frances Ann Woodbury (pre deceased her son at 9.15pm 16 Apr 1918)

CORRESPONDENCE Public Trustee- re estate of late Edward John Jamieson (DOD 7 Jul 1957) late of Gundagai/ Father/ Miss E M Woodbury, Lower Mangrove, Hawkesbury River. Miss Lily Woodbury, York Street Lidcombe, NSW

NSW BDM Births;- reg 1886-35490, Brisbane Water parents Edwin j & Frances A Marriage;- 1915-8367 reg Sydney to Hilda h Pemberton

Page 4: Woodbury, Sidney

Gosford Times 4

th June 1915

The entertainment got up by relatives, friends, and wellwish-ers of Mr Syd. Woodbury, was a twofold function a welcome to his bride and self, and a send-off for himself – our first Creek boy to go to the front. The first item on the pro-gramme was a substantial tea, muc needed, as many guests had come from Sydney, Hornsby and Brooklyn. The “Guest of Honor”, bride and groom, parents, and grandpar-ents,sisters and brothers, &c, were seated at a table nicely decorated with “good things”, in the centre of the hall. The rest of the company sat round the room, and had viands, &c, passed to them. When “toasting time” came, Mr M Pemberton (bride’s grandfather), in proposing the health of Mr and Mrs Syd; congratulated the former on his courage, and wished him a safe return when his work was done. Messrs Ivory Wallbank, and Alf Craft, also spoke to the toast. Oratory is not a strong point on the creek, bt each speaker did his best, and man can do no more. Syd did the best, when he candidly told us he was no speaker, didn’t shine at the sort of thing, but “when it came to putting either German or Turk out of the trenches, he’d do his share with the rest. Three rousing cheers and a “tiger” greeted Syd’s sentiments and everyone nodded to him and waved either tea cups or wine glasses in his direction to show their approval. Certainly the “King was not followed”, but every one knows that it would that it would never do to drink a health or bind a bargain with “teawater” in the bush. It was a great “cordial” gathering, too, judging from the heaps of bottles, &c, next day. Dancing and songs and cards, with an interval for supper, filled up the rest of the night. With the first glimmer of daylight, the folk got ready to go home-wards, after sending Syd off with plenty of cheering and heaps of good wishes for his luck in the field and a safe re-turn.

Gosford Times 15

th October 1915

Mr Sid Woodbury, one of Mangrove’s volunteers, is re-ported ill in hospital in London.

Gosford Times 12

th November 1915

Word has been received by their relatives that Syd Wood-bury “has recovered and returned to Egypt for duty”.

Page 5: Woodbury, Sidney

Gosford Times 2

nd November 1916

In a letter from Sid Woodbury, received this week, he says he has been stopping shrapnel again but is recovering fast. Big fighting has been going on and heavy losses, but nothing to the German side. He had a “bosker” time in England, which he says is “a great place”. The only thing he dreads is another winter in the trenches after his Gallipoli experiences. Still matters are far better for them where they are now. And he finishes up by asking “how many more chaps have left the Creek”.

Gosford Times 30

th November 1916

There’s a report going round that Syd Woodbury and Percy Davis have been invalided home, and will be back for Xmas. Good news for their home folk, if true.

Gosford Times 11

th October 1917

Letters from Messrs, Syd and Harold woodbury last mail. Harold has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery by Genral Birdwood. Bravo, Harold. May you retuen safely with two bars to same. Syd says they “are resting after the big push in July and having a good time, too, but they’ve earned it.” It is a pity the brothers have not yet met each other, although they have been in France nearly two years.

Gosford Times 20

th December 1917

…. New Year parcels have been sent to local boys in the trenches, Privates Ern Starkey, W. Wilson, Harold Woodbury and Driver Syd Woodbury, from relations and friends on the Creek.

Page 6: Woodbury, Sidney

Gosford Times 24

th January 1918

In a recent letter from the front Sid Woodbury asked the Mangrove Literary secretary “to put up a notice on the front door of the hall to the effect that there is a big fight going on in Europe and every fit man from the Creek is needed.” His old mates, he says, “have gone back on their promises to him”. Ahem.

Gosford Times 25

th April 1918

Mrs Edwin Woodbury died at Mangrove Creek last week end. Two of her sons donned khaki, one of them, Private Sid Woodbury, being the first to enlist in that district.

Gosford Times 25

th April 1918

MANGROVE MEMS. (From our Correspondent) Passed away last Wednesday in Sydney, after a long and painful illness, Mrs E.J. Woodbury, of “Mt. View”, Lower Mangrove – one of the best of wives, a most loving mother, a kind neighbor, and a true patriot. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mr W. Atkins, and spent all her life on the Creek. The deepest and most sincere sympathy is felt by us all for her husband and children, five daughters and three sons. Two of the latter, Syd and Harold, are at present time in the battle line fighting for their native land. She was interred in the local Catholic cemetery with her eldest daughter, Mary, who died some years ago. The burial service was performed by Rev Father Kelly of Gosford. “After life’s fitful fever she sleeps well.”

Gosford Times 23

rd May 1918

Driver Sid Woodbury, son of Mr W.J. Woodbury, Lower Mangrove, was killed in action on April 16.

Page 7: Woodbury, Sidney

Gosford Times 6

th June 1918

Yes, Syd. Woodbury, our first recruit, has fallen in action after three years’ service at the front. Had a letter from him in the early part of April, in which he said, “there’s a very big thing coming on and we’ll be in the thick of it” – and he was. – As well as a brave hero he was a loving son and kind brother, never failed in either writing or sending gifts to his dear ones. A strange coincidence—he was killed the same day his mother died. We all know how she craved to see her boys again. The Defence De-partment tried to see if they could arrange for a furlough, but it was impossible, too short of men from this side.

Gosford Times 6

th June 1918

SOLDIERS’ LETTER. From the late Driver Syd. Woodbury (Mangrove) written from “Somewhere in France” on March 25 to a girlfriend:- I received your welcome letters a few days ago, and was very pleased to see by your letter that you had heard from your brother, and am now waiting for his address. I suppose he is over here in France somewhere by now. I shall do my best to see him. Had the great pleasure of meeting my brother, Harold, the other day for an hour or so; he is looking well and said he feels quite alright. Both Harold and I am just due for leave to England—hope we can get over together. There is a terrible battle raging at present, and think by the time it is over it will be the greatest battle ever fought. Just got word to say all leave has been cancelled for the present, but never mind, shall have to wait a bit longer, that’s all. I feel ashamed of those bit Mangroveites, to think that they will let boys like W. Watkins and J. White come away, and also a boy like your own brother (Signaler Vivian Gardner, who was gassed and died on April 19) and none of them offer themselves. But I feel so proud of you girls to think that you are so independent as to not dance with them. But then some people have no sense of pride on duty about them. Keep it up girls of Mangrove Creek, and shame the shirkers. We boys at the front are proud of you—Ernie? Starkey, Harold, and myself

Page 8: Woodbury, Sidney

Gosford Times 27

th June 1918

LOWER MANGROVE A Gallant Soldier Lad. Mr E.J. Woodbury, of “Mount Carmel,” Lower Man-grove, has received the following letters referring to the death of his son, Driver Sid Woodbury, who was killed in action over in France:- France, 17

th April, 1918. – Dear Mr Woodbury, -

Long e’er this letter reaches you you will have learned the sad news of your son’s death, so I am writing on behalf of his many friends to offer our heartfelt condolence in your irrevocable loss. Your son, “Sidbury” as he was affectionately called, was greatly respected by all, and was above all a staunch comrade and a true soldier. We deeply and sincerely mourn his loss and will do all in our power to make his last resting place a permanent monu-ment to his memory. I am sure you will be anxious to know how Sid was returning from the trenaches with his ration limber when he and his two horses were killed by shrapnel, one piece of shell passed through his back and penetrated his heart. Poor Sid suffered no pain, as death was instantaneous. Di-rectly we heard the sad news we rushed to his as-sistance, only to find poor Sid was past all earthly aid and had passed to the great unknown. May God have mercy on his soul and grant him eternal peace. Dear Mr woodbury, I am forwarding on to you as much of his personal property as I can find, with the exception of a pair of spurs which he was wearig, and a revolver. These I intend to hand over to his brother at the first opportunity. Trusting this letter will find you consoled in your sad bereavement and sincerely hoping you will find some little conso-lation in the fact that your son sacrificed his all for a cause that is right and just. I remain, yours very sincerely, GEORGE A. BRUSTER.

Page 9: Woodbury, Sidney

Gosford Times 27

th June 1918

France, 20

th April, 1918—Dear Mr Woodbury,--I

am writing to you on behalf of the officers of the 5th

Australian Machine Gun Company. One and all join me in sending you the deepest sympathy in your late sad bereavement of your dear son God rest his soul. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a true soldier and a man, and died a noble death, doing his duty until the last moment of his life. He was a personal friend of mine and we had been together ever since our Company had been formed. Your sad loss and ours has been a great one—I am, yours sincerely, M.G. RYAN, Lieut., 5

th A.M.G. Coy. PS-Sid is bur-

ied in a little French cemetery; the boys dug his grave, and about twenty of us followed. A clergy-man from the 20

th Battalion read the burial service

and prayed for all his dear ones. He has truly made some good friends in his Company and know too well how we feel the great loss.

Gosford Times 1918. ROLL OF HONOR. WOODBURY – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Driver S. woodbury, who was killed in action on 16

th April, 1918.

In a hero’s grave he is sleeping, Our soldier so brave and so true; He fought for home and liberty, And died noath the red, white and blue. Inserted by his loving father, sisters and brothers.

Gosford Times 6

th March 1919

Mr E.J. Woodbury has received a most sympa-thetic letter from General Birdwood (letter appears in another column) relating to the death of his sol-dier son, syd, and also congratulating him on the bravery shown by his other son, Harold. By last mail Harold sent home his Military Medal – only one to come to Mangrove Creek. It will be one of the greatest treasures his family will ever possess.

Page 10: Woodbury, Sidney

Gosford Times 6

th March 1919

MANGROVE’S BRAVE LADS. Letter From General Birdwood. Mr E.J. Woodbury, “Mount Carmel”, Lower Mangrove, has received the following letter from General birdwood relat-ing to Mr Woodbury’s two sons, one of whom, Corporal Syd Woodbury, was killed in action:- Headquarters, A.I.F., 5

th Army BEF, France – Dear Mr

Woodbury – It has taken me some time to answer your letter regarding your boy, who was killed in action on April 14

th last, as on making enquiries in the 2

nd Machine Coy,

to which you mentioned he belonged, I found he was un-known in that unit. I had therefore to write to our Base Records Office, and ascertained he was serving with the 5

th Coy of the 2

nd Machine Gun Battalion. Since writing to

me you will, I hope, have received a letter from his Section Officers giving you the few details available. The Battalion was then in a line east of Amiens, and while your son was near the village of Boves, returning from the line after de-livering rations, he was killed by an enemy shell. He was buried in the cemetery at Boves, and the Battalion Chap-lain (whom Mr Woodbury has since heard was our late popular young priest at Gosford, Father Dwyer,ED) offici-ated at the grave. I feel for you very deeply in your sad loss. I well know that it is irreparable, but trust it will afford comfort to know that your boy was prepared to make the supreme sacrifice fighting gallantly for our noble cause of right and liberty. I had hoped I might be able to find out the unit of your other boy when making enquiries in the 2

nd

Machine Gun Battalion, but no one there could give me the information. I hope you have the best news of him. You may well be proud of both your boys. I am very glad indeed that the gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by your son, Harold, was recognized by the award of the Mili-tary Medal, which I always think is such a fine decoration for a boy to gain. With my kind regards and again my deep sympathy with you in your great sacrifice, - Yours sincerely, M.N. BIRDWOOD.

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

Page 39: Woodbury, Sidney

Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

Page 40: Woodbury, Sidney

Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

Page 41: Woodbury, Sidney

Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

Page 42: Woodbury, Sidney

Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

Page 43: Woodbury, Sidney

Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

Page 45: Woodbury, Sidney

Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124

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Abridged record/s courtesy of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Series No: B2455 Item Barcode: 8860124