Memorials & Monuments
on the Isle of Wight
- Cowes -
- St Mary's Church : J F A Wodehouse Memorial -

Location

In St Mary's Church, Church Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 8HA.
 
IWM War Memorials Archive Record

Not recorded by the War Memorials Archive
 
Historic England Listing Status

St Mary's Church is Listed Grade II*. Since the Memorial forms part of the furniture of the building it is assumed that it is covered by the Listing.
 
Description

An oak sanctuary chair marked by a brass plaque.

[memorial chairs photographed by Bernard Taylor, information from Charles S Taylor]

Memorial


 

 

Inscription


 
Further Information

Son of the late Francis John Wodehouse, grandson of the late Rev A Wodehouse (rector of Easton). Wodehouse was serving as an Observer in an RE.8 aircraft (serial no 4390) piloted by Captain A L Macdonald MC, when it was shot down in aerial combat. Both were killed.

From the Isle of Wight County Press, 8th September 1917 :

BRADING :
News has been received of the death in action, on August 26, of Second-Lieut. J.F.A. Wodehouse, D.C.L.I. (attached R.F.C.) aged 20. He was a most promising young officer, and his early death will be much felt by many friends in the Island. He was educated at Ardingly College, Haywards Heath, and while there joined the O.T.C. He obtained his commission in the D.C.L.I., and was wounded last year. On returning to the front he joined the R.F.C., and it would appear that he met his death in air combat. Gen Sir Josceline Wodehouse has received a letter from the Rev W. Kerr, chaplain to the Forces, who writes : "... We are mourning the loss of a brave comrade. ... Others will tell you of the valuable work he has done. He was buried in the English Cemetery at Meninghem."

From the Isle of Wight County Press, 16th March 1918 :

COWES :
After the recent confirmation service in St Mary's Church, the Bishop of Southampton dedicated an oak sanctuary chair to the memory of 2nd-Lieut. J.F.A. Wodehouse, D.C.L.I. (attached Royal Flying Corps), who was killed in action August last. The chair is the gift of the Vicar and a few friends of the deceased officer, who frequently worshipped at St Mary's Church.

CWGC record ...

From the Isle of Wight County Press 8 September 1917
 

From the Times 8 September 1917