Flight Officer Herbert John Woodward
Flight Officer Herbert John Woodward was born in Harefield on 6 February 1916.
- He attended Blackpool and Leeds University.
- Described as an "outstanding rugby player'"
- Joined No. 64 Squadron at Church Fenton on 9 July 1940.
- On 12 September 1940, Woodward joined No. 23 Squadron at Ford.
![Squadron RAF 23]()
- His first flight was on 17 September 1940.
- Over Dunkirk on 31 May 1940, Woodward destroyed a Dornier Do17.
- In combat over Dover on 19 July, he collided with a Me109 and returned to Kenley with a damaged wing tip.
- On 5 and 8 August, Woodward probably destroyed Me109s. He destroyed another on 12 August and on 13 August he destroyed a Do17.
- He joined No. 23 Squadron at Ford on 12 September 1940 as 'B' Flight Commander, as an Acting Flight Lieutenant.
- On 30 October 1940, he was the captain of Blenheim L6721 on a routine night patrol, which crashed at Orchard Way Road, South Bersted, after having R/T failure in deteriorating weather conditions.
- Woodward was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1940.
- He died in November 1940.
Photos: Battle of Britain Monument website (bbm.org.uk)