Howard Kenneth Wood MC

Rank: 
Lieutenant
Unit at enlistment: 
215th Battalion
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
Yes
Wounded: 
Yes
Cemetery: 
St. James Cemetery and Crematorium, Toronto, Ontario
Awards or decorations: 
Military Cross
Birth country: 
Canada
Birth county: 
Brant
Birth city: 
Brantford, Ontario
Address at enlistment: 
87 Brant Avenue, Brantford, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
87 Brant Avenue, Brantford, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Student
Religious denominations: 
Presbyterian
Marital status: 
Single
Age at enlistment: 
19
Gallantry medals: 
Yes

Letters and documents

London Gazette: 31119 
Date: January 11, 1919
Honour or Award: Military Cross
Authority: 3rd D.O. 3569, October 7, 1918
Wood, Howard Kenneth Wood (Lieutenant)
Unit: 116th Battalion 

Details: He carried out a personal reconnaissance of “No Man's Land” prior to an attack, and during the operation he collected a number of disorganized men and led them forward on a flanking attack, capturing a position strongly held by machine guns. In doing this he was wounded, but continued to lead his party on, and reached the final objective. In reorganizing his party to consolidate the position gained he was again severely wounded. His dash and endurance throughout were remarkable.

BX October 18, 1918

Military Cross to Lieutenant Howard Kenneth Wood – Heroic Young Brantford Officer is Recovering from Wounds

The many friends of Lieutenant Howard Kenneth Wood, who was wounded in the drive of Aug. 8, will be pleased to learn that he has been awarded the Military Cross. The information to this effect was contained in a cable received a few days ago by his father, Mr. T.L. Wood, of St. Mary’s. Late reports are also to the effect that Ken is recovering rapidly from the wounds received and is now able to move about the hospital in London in a wheelchair. 

BX October 17, 1919

Decorations to be Presented by the Prince – Local Officers and men Will be Invested During Visit of Heir to the Throne – Royal Standard

City Clerk Leonard is a very busy man these days. Almost the entire program from the reception of the Prince of Wales is in his hands, and he is busy even to the point of looking after the decorations at the armories. This morning he received a letter from the secretary of Colonel Henderson, congratulating him on the complete arrangements made in this city, which have been approved by Col. Henderson, who is the military secretary to the Prince.

The address from the city to His Royal Highness is now being engrossed by Mr. David Husband. There will be only one address presented, as far as the city is concerned, the I.O.D.E., making a presentation to the Prince at the Bell Memorial.

Veterans Investiture

The following are those who will receive decorations from His Royal Highness:

Military Cross –Lieut. Charles Denton Smith; Lieut. Howard Kenneth Wood; Lieut. Morley F. Verity.

Distinguished Flying Cross – Captain Harold Albert White 

Military Medal – Pte. William Bowden, Pte. Richard George Chinery; Gnr. Vernon Arthur Curtis, Sergt. William John Davey, Corp. Fred Hara McDougald, Pte. Ernest Baden Powell Davies (Deceased), to be presented to Mrs. L. Davies.

The Royal Standard

The Royal Standard of the Prince of Wales has been received by Lieut.-Col. F.A. Howard, commanding the Dufferin Rifles. This flag will be flown from the armories during the Prince’s stay in the city on Monday next. The flag will be unfurled as the prince arrives at 1.30 and will be lowered again on his departure. The flag is 6 x 12 feet, and is the first one to be flown here.

An appeal was made by the civic authorities today for wheel traffic to refrain from using the streets on the route of march, and to refrain from parking on those streets and also that citizens keep to the curb while the procession is passing.

BX August 16, 1918

Lieutenant Howard Kenneth Wood Reported Wounded

Official advice has been received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.L. Wood, who now reside in St. Mary’s, that their son, Lieutenant Kenneth Wood, had been wounded in action, date not given. He received a gunshot wound in the leg and had been admitted to No. 8 Stationary Hospital at Rouen. Lieutenant Wood left Brantford with the 215th Battalion and after serving a few months in England was transferred to a front line battalion in France.

BX July 11, 1960

City Born OBE Winner Kenneth Wood Passes

H. Kenneth Wood (Ken) Wood, 63, Toronto businessman and native of Brantford died in St. Michaels Hospital, Toronto, on Sunday.  He was well known throughout Ontario for his work for the blind.  He was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. T.L. Wood and a brother of Miss Doris Wood of this city.

Mr. Wood was educated in the public schools and BCI here and was active in sports in his youth.  He enlisted here with the 215th Battalion in the First World War, went to France with the 116th.  He was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in action.  He was wounded at the Battle of Amiens in 1918.

After the war Mr. Wood returned to live in Hamilton where he became president of the Reliance Petroleum Company.  Later he became owner and operator of the Ontario Milk Transport Company Limited, Toronto.  He occupied this post at the time of his death.  He had lived in Toronto since 1953.

While in Hamilton he had much to do with the Hamilton Health Association.  During the Second World War, he was an active member of the Dependent Advisory Board for which service he received the Order of the British Empire.

Mr. Wood was a member of the Toronto Board of Trade the Toronto Cricket, Curling and Skating Club, and of the Rosedale Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are his widow, the former Edna Maxwell, a daughter, Nancy, a son Richard; two brothers, Lloyd of Calgary and Irving of Toronto and his sister here.

Mr. Wood rested at his home 301 Spadina Road, Toronto from noon today. The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday.