Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

No.6 Platoon, "B" Company, The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (MG), 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

August 31st, 1944

Recommendation:
On the morning of 6 June 1944 at point 994840 South of Bernières-sur-Mer Lieutenant Woodward single handedly rushed a small body of enemy who were obstructing the advance of his Platoon. Later in the same morning Lieutenant Woodward moved up to the head of the Brigade advance and with no regard for personal safety got positions for his guns to cover the Infantry forward. At one village Basley he was the first man, after the tanks, to enter the village. He drove through with determination to see his Brigade commander’s intention carried out. He pushed ahead at Anguerny up on to the high ground, alone to do his reconnaissance so he could get his guns in quickly in case of counter attack. He completed his reconnaissance and brought his Platoon into action despite being fired at continually by snipers and being under enemy MG and mortar fire.
Lieutenant Woodward by his example, leadership and drive was instrumental in speeding up the advance of 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade to its objective.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 31 August, 1944.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

No.6 Platoon, "B" Company, The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (MG), 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

December 21st, 1944

Recommendation:
Lieutenant J.C. Woodward, Platoon Commander No.6 Platoon “B” Company, Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (MG) at approx 0720 hours on 5 July 1944 was commanding a platoon in the area between A & C Company of an infantry battalion at MR 978688 Sheet 7F/1 (France). This position was attacked by six enemy tanks and some infantry. The tanks came to within 150 yards of Lieutenant Woodward’s position. The infantry suffering heavy losses withdrew from their position. Lieutenant Woodward rallied his men, gave fire orders and brought four medium MGs to bear on the tanks as well as his platoon Bren and PIAT. He sent ont of his sergeants to rally the crew of the Infantry A/T Gun. During the whole encounter which lasted over 30 minutes, Lieutenant Woodward displayed great courage and leadership. He directed the engagement from the open ground despite heavy fire and bombs running from gun to gun to assist, engage, re-assure and cheer his men. One tank was destroyed and numerous casualties inflicted on the enemy and our position restored. As the five remaining tanks moved away the platoon again engaged three vehicles and four lorries of infantry causing the vehicles to leave the road thus damaging them and inflicting further casualties on the enemy. During the whole period of action, Lieutenant Woodward showed great courage and determination and it was largely through his efforts that the counterattack was beaten off.

This award was obtained in the form of an Bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first award.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 December, 1944.