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Auction: 26002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 200

A Great War M.C. group of six to Flight Lieutenant A. Wood, Royal Air Force, late Royal Artillery who was awarded his M.C. for his work with Z/37th Trench Mortar Battery

Military Cross, G.V.R.; British War and Victory Medals (2.Lieut A. Wood); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (351093 Cpl. A. Wood. R.A.F.), lightly polished, very fine (6)

M.C. London Gazette 17 April 1917.

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. With the assistance of a bombardier, he extricated a trench mortar which had been buried, and continued firing, in spite of heavy hostile shelling. He has on many previous occasions done fine work.'

Arthur Wood was born at St. Jude's, Southsea, Hampshire on 28 March 1897, with the family later moving down to Torpoint, Cornwall. He entered the war in France in February 1916 with the Royal Garrison Artillery (Special Reserve) and was awarded his Military Cross whilst attached to the Z/37th Trench Mortar Battery. This unit was formed in May 1916 and its prime objective was to destroy enemy barbed wire and frontline trenches. Further research pinpoints his award covering the period 21-26 February 1917.

After leaving the army Wood appears in the 1921 census as a surveying student living at 21 Cricklade Road, Bishopston, Bristol and applied for his medals on 29 November 1921, which were sent to the same address. His M.I.C. makes a note of a 'mention' however this is unconfirmed as there is no other record of his having earned one.

It appeared surveying was not for him as he later joined the Royal Air Force, being given the service number 351093. His London Gazette entries confirm this number along with the award of the Military Cross which is noted in the records. He was commissioned from a Flight Sergeant to a Flying Officer on probation within the Equipment Branch on 28 March 1943 and given an Officer's service number of 50794. Wood was promoted Flying Officer on 25 March 1945 and to Flight Lieutenant (war subs) on 22 July 1947. He retired at his own request on 25 September 1948 and retained the rank of Flight Lieutenant. He died at Thaxted, Essex on 19 April 1977.

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Estimate
£700 to £1,000

Starting price
£550