Flight Sergeant Stanley James Woodbridge, GC (29 August 1921 – 7 February 1945), known as Stan Woodbridge,[1] was a British Second World War recipient of the George Cross. He was born in Chelsea, London, and during the Second World War served as a member of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, with No. 159 Squadron RAF.
Stanley James Woodbridge | |
|---|---|
| Born | 29 August 1921 Chelsea, London, England |
| Died | 7 February 1945 (aged 23) British Burma |
| Buried | Rangoon War Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
| Rank | Flight Sergeant |
| Service number | 1393806 |
| Unit | No. 159 Squadron RAF |
| Battles / wars | Second World War |
| Awards | George Cross |
Second World War
editWoodbridge was captured by Japanese forces along with five other members of his crew, when their Consolidated Liberator aircraft crashed in Burma. The three other members of the crew, including former rugby player Les Adams, were killed.[2] Woodbridge, who was the crew's wireless operator, was subjected to torture, and was eventually beheaded along with the three other non-commissioned officers from his crew. The two commissioned officers from the crew were taken to Rangoon Jail and found alive when Rangoon was liberated. Throughout his ordeal, Woodbridge refused to give information to his Japanese captors about his codes or radio equipment.
In 1948, Woodbridge was posthumously awarded the George Cross in recognition of his courage and devotion to duty.[3]
Woodbridge is buried at the Rangoon War Cemetery.[4]
Notes
edit- ^ Michael Ashcroft, George Cross Heroes, 2010
- ^ "Aircrew Remembered". Retrieved 14 March 2013.
- ^ Casey, William, ed. (29 September 1948). "Posthumous George Cross". The Times. No. 51189. p. 2. ISSN 0140-0460.
- ^ Commonwealth War Graves Commission – 1393806 Flt Sgt S J Woodbirdge GC
References
edit
- London Gazette archive
- George Cross (GC) Database – Highest civilian gallantry award at www.gc-database.co.uk
- GC Holders at www.rafweb.org Stanley James Woodbridge
- http://www.airscene.org/monument/GCawards.htm#woodbridge
- A BARBAROUS ENEMY at www.rquirk.com Details of the atrocity
- GC Awards to Jap POWs at www.stephen-stratford.com