James Park Woods

James Park Woods VC, (4 January 1886 – 18 January 1963) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Early life
Woods was born at Two Wells, South Australia in 1886 and was raised by a stepsister after his parent's death. He tried to enlist in 1914 but was rejected owing to his height of 163 cm (5 ft 4 ins). Eventually he enlisted in the AIF on 29 September 1916 after height restrictions were lowered.

Military career
He was 27 years old, and a private in the 48th Battalion, (S.A.), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:

On 18 September 1918, near Le Verguier, north-west of St. Quentin, France, Private Woods, with a weak patrol, attacked and captured a formidable enemy post consisting of four heavy and two light machineguns which, with two comrades, he held against heavy counterattacks. Jumping on to the parapet he fired, and kept on firing and throwing bombs, inflicting severe casualties and holding up the enemy until help arrived.

Later life
Woods died on 18 January 1963 in the Repatriation General Hospital, Hollywood and is buried in Karrakatta Cemetery. A ward at the hospital has been named in his honour. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial, in Canberra, Australia.