THE HEADSTONE OVER THE BURIAL PLOT OF SERGEANT MAJOR CHARLES WOODEN IN ST JAMES' CEMETERY, DOVER, HAS RECENTLY BEEN REFURBISHED.
16 June 2019


( select to enlarge )



The headstone over the grave of Sergeant Major ( later Lieutenant ) Charles Wooden VC, 17th Lancers, in Dover's St James' Cemetery, has recently been refurbished.

Although the headstone over Charles Wooden's grave was in relatively good condition the black lettering had deteriorated badly. This has now been rectified by local county residents, Steve Davies and Al Winstanley, meaning the headstone has now been returned to its original state.

Sergeant Major Charles Wooden's Victoria Cross medal group is held, and is on display, in the Queen's Royal Lancers Museum, Thoresby, Nottinghamshire.

For the award of the Victoria Cross

[ London Gazette, 26 October 1858 ], Balaclava, Crimean War, 26 October 1854, Sergeant Major ( later Lieutenant ) Charles Wooden, 17th Lancers.

For having, after the retreat of the Light Cavalry, at the Battle of Balaklava, been instrumental, together with Dr. James Mouat CB, in saving the life of Lieutenant Colonel Morris CB, of the 17th Lancers, by proceeding, under a heavy fire, to his assistance, when he was lying very dangerously wounded, in an exposed situation.

Charles Wooden was invested with his Victoria Cross in India in 1859, by whom and where is not known.

The medal entitlement of Charles Wooden:

  • Victoria Cross
  • Crimea Medal ( 1854-56 )
    • 4 clasps:
    • "Alma" - "Balaclava" - "Inkermann" - "Sebastopol"
  • Indian Mutiny Medal ( 1857-58 )
  • Medaille Militaire ( France )
  • Turkish Crimea Medal ( 1855-56 )

News

Go to VC UK flag Home Page

Iain Stewart, 16 June 2019