Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Lawrence Neil Woodham was born in Mildura on 25th July, 1917.   He was the youngest child of William Joseph Woodham and Elizabeth (Bessie) Janet Anderson, born 17 years after his next older sibling.    His name has been recorded as 'Lawrence' and 'Laurence', but he always signed his name as 'Lawrence'.   He was always known as 'Neil'.    His father, William Joseph Woodham, worked as a Saddler, and was a well-known public figure and member of the Mildura City Council.

Lawrence 'Neil' Woodham enlisted for service on 7th July, 1940, and was appointed to 6th Training Battalion as No. V7113.   An older brother, Keith George Woodham, had already enlisted in the 2nd AIF.   Their mother, Elizabeth (Bessie) Janet Woodham, died in November, 1940.

On 22nd January, 1941, Lawrence 'Neil' Woodham enlisted in the 2nd AIF and was appointed to the Army Ordnance Corps with Service No. VX39437.   He served in Malaya until captured by the Japanese and held as a Prisoner of War.   He returned to Australia after the war and was discharged from the AIF on 1st November, 1945.

In 1947 he married Fay Louise Harker, and they brought up their family in Mildura.   Lawrernce 'Neil' Woodham died on 30th May, 1995, aged 77 years.   He was Buried in the Nicols Point Cemetery, Mildura.

Although his birth was registered under the name 'Laurence' his name was actually spelt 'Lawrence', and this is how he signed his name.

Birth registration details

Name: Laurence Neil Woodham
Birth Registration Date: 1917
Birth Registration Place: Victoria, Australia
Father:Wm Josh Woodham
Mother Maiden Name:Anderson
Reference Number:22831