Officer’s Great War Western Front casualty and Mention in Despatches pair awarded to Lieutenant F. Woolnough, 10th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment who saw service in France from May 1916 until he suffered a gunshot wound to the chest on 29th September 1916 during the fighting at Guedecourt on the Somme from which he would later be discharged. He would be Mentioned in Despatches in the London Gazette on 22nd May 1917.
Pair: British War Medal and Victory Medal with Mention in Despatches oakleaf emblem; (LIEUT. F. WOOLNOUGH.)
Condition: Nearly Extremely Fine
Frank Woolnough was born on 28th February 1886 and was living in Cheltenham when he gained a commission in the 10th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment. Serving as a Lieutenant in France, he would suffer a gun shot wound to the chest on 29th September 1916 during the fighting on the Somme at Guedecourt. His medical report dated 27th November 1916 at Northumberland War Hospital, Gosforth states:
‘He was wounded by shell on September 29th at Guedecourt. Admitted here October 24th with small scar on the right of the back and unhealed flesh wound on the right arm. A note from France states that 2 pints of blood were drawn off the right side of the chest. There is now considerable thickening of the pleura. The patient is still confined to bed owing to shortness of breath. X Ray shows the presence of a piece of metal in the right lung. He suffers considerably from indigestion.’
Woolnough was Mentioned in Despatches in the London Gazette on 22nd May 1917 for his service in France.
His next medical board report is fated 19th June 1917 at Furness Auxiliary Hospital, Harrogate and states:
‘He has not improved since last Board. He has lost 8lbs in weight since May 1st. There is tenderness on percussion over Right Apex. Respirations somewhat harsh and increased vocal romance. He suffers from cough in the morning. In view of his disability and also his present chest condition. The Board considers that he is a very special case coming under the provisions of A.C.I. 423 Para I (VII) as if he is unable to live in the open air there is a possibility of T.B. lung. He is therefore recommended 3 months Special W.O. leave Directed to report in Writing to Secretary war office.’
Woolnough would be discharged at Bristol on 12th February 1920 as permanently unfit for further service. His medals would be sent to Christ College, Cambridge.
