James Park Woods (1886–1963) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that could be awarded to members of the Australian armed forces at the time. Woods enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in September 1916, and joined the 48th Battalion in France in September 1917. He participated in the First Battle of Passchendaele the following month. In 1918, Woods was hospitalised twice, finally returning to his unit in mid-August. On 18 September, the 48th Battalion was involved in the attack on the Hindenburg Outpost Line. During this battle Woods led a four-man patrol in an attack on a strong German post, inflicting severe casualties and driving more than thirty Germans from the position. His actions during this assault and subsequent defence against German counter-attacks resulted in him being awarded the Victoria Cross. His medals are now displayed in the Hall of Valour at the Australian War Memorial.
Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Park_Woods
_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:
1809:
The second theatre of the Royal Opera House in London opened after a fire destroyed the original theatre one year earlier. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Opera_House
1851:
The New York Times, the largest metropolitan newspaper in the United States, was founded. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times
1948:
The Australian cricket team's Invincibles tour of England concluded; they had played thirty-four matches, including five Tests, without defeat. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_cricket_team_in_England_in_1948
2014:
Scotland voted against independence from the United Kingdom. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Scottish_independence_referendum
_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:
Ember day: (Christianity) Any of the three days within the same week, four separate sets of which occur roughly equidistant in the circuit of the year, that are set aside for fasting and prayer. In Western Christianity they are usually the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday following the first Sunday in Lent, Whitsunday, Holy Cross Day (14 September), and Saint Lucy's Day (13 December). https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Ember_day
___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:
I have to tell you I don't just see this role of women as caretakers in the world that I cover, I see it in the world I live in. Slowly, slowly, slowly but definitely, the workplace is becoming a more humane place because of the presence of women. --Cokie Roberts https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Cokie_Roberts