Wood, William John
William John Wood, 2nd Lieut. 15th Middlesex Regt., was educated at Herne Bay College and the Strand School, King's College. He entered the Theological Faculty of King's College in October, in 1909, at the age of 19 after passing the London Matriculation. He took active interest in all sides of College life; was distinguished in sports, cricket and football, took part in the Union debates; and hoped to have gained the B.D. degree this year. The work of the Christian Union was near to his heart, and he combined deep religion with high spirits and gaiety in a very loveable manner. He is indeed one of those who makes us feel that the spring has been taken out of the year.
His father, Mr. John Wood, writes: "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 the men to take cover, when he was sniped, the bullet going through his heart and causing instant death. He was laid to his early 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 us to know that his end was so peaceful." A.N. King's College Review Dec. 1915
Biographical
| Surname(s) | Wood |
|---|---|
| First name(s) | William John |
| Family details | Son of Mr J W Wood of "Whyteleaf" 41 Church Walk, Worthing |
| Previous education | Herne Bay College and the Strand School, King's college |
| College | King's College London and/or King's College London Hospital |
| Dates at college | 1909-1915 |
| Dept / course | Theology |
| Military unit | 15th Middlesex Regiment |
| War / conflict | World War One (1914-1918) |
| Campaigns | France and Flanders to November 1915 |
| Date of death | 7 November 1915 |
| Age at death | 25 |
| Rank at death | 2nd Lieutenant |
| Place of death | Shot by Sniper |
| Burial place | Potijze Burial Ground Cemetery |
| Commemoration(s) | King's College Chapel |
| Sources | King's College London Archives; Commonwealth War Graves Commission; University of London O.T.C. 1914-19 |