Henry WOOFF appears to have been born, around 1878 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland.

His father was Frank WOOFF, his mothers name has not been established. Not much has been traced about his early life other than he joined the Army Ordnance Corps as T/419 around 1902.

He appears on various documents (from the family) showing that he was actively engaged with the Freemasons, in various Lodge locations, namely Bermuda, (1903) and Scotland (1904).

He was promoted to (paid) L/Cpl 16/2/1907, and Artificer Staff Sergeant, and later Inspector of Machinery, A.O.C. 1907.

On 22/5/1908 The Canadian High Commission requested 2 Non Commissioned Officers of the Army Ordnance Corps be loaned to them in Canada for 2 years to be attached to the Canadian Ordnance Corps.

On 23/7/1908, Lt. Col. H.D.E. PARSONS C.M.G. C.O. A.O.C. Woolwich, furnished them with the names of the two men, both ‘single’ at the time to be seconded for temporary duty: No. 419. Armament S.Sgt. H. WOOFF. - Tynemouth. Det. 16th Co. A.O.C. No. 347. Armament S.Sgt. A. PHILLIPS. - Haubowline, Co. Cork. Ireland. 23rd Co. A.O.C. Henry had been posted from Woolwich to Tynmouth in 1908, and on 3/8/1908, he married Ada Louisa PEARSE (PEARS) (1879 - 1953) at The Parish Church, of Tynmouth Priory, Tynmouth Castle.

Henry’s age was given as 30, and a Bachelor. His occupation was given as Armourment Artificer and Staff Sergeant, and Ada aged 29, a Spinster was records as loving at 57, Front Street, a stone’s throw away from the Priory.

Henry’s father Frank, was a Furnace man, and Ada’s father was a Licenced Victualler. Henry and S.Sgt. PHILLIPS left Liverpool on 6/8/08 onboard S.S. CORSICAN on route to Quebec. it appears just three days after his marriage to Ada.

On 1/4/1911 Ada sailed from Liverpool to Halifax, Canada on the White Star ship S.S. DOMINION as a 2nd Class paid pasenger.

The passenger list records that she was going to her husband a ‘Staff Sergeant in the Canadian Army’. The ship arrived on 10/4/1911. It appears that they stayed in Canada for a further 2-3 years.

The couple were settled, and in 1912, were living at 75, Maynard Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, their first son, William Richard Henry WOOFF, (18/12/1912. - 24/12/1971) was born there. Henry is recorded as an Armamant Atificer born in Newcastle -on-Tyne, England.

The Army Base Citadel is very close to that address. A year later they were living at Fairbanks Street, Nova Scotia, when their second son Norman Pears WOOFF, (2/11/1913 - 1986) was born.

Henry is recorded as Soldier (Q.M.S.). On 25/3/1914 Ada applied for Maternity Benefit via the Canadian Consul, in respect of her Husbands Service in Canada.

On around 6/7/1914 Henry was granted 1 month Furlough after expiration of his service with the Canadian Government, a period longer than the initial quoted 2 year secondment, and sailed home on 7/8/1914.

On 20/7/1914 he wrote to confirm his arrival in England to the Canadian High Commission, and reported to the A.O.C. H.Q. at Woolwich, which was due to be on 6/8/1914.

He requested any outstanding monies and clothing allowances, and quoted his address as 27, East Terrace, Heselden, Couty Durham.

At some stage his family also returned to England. Henry still serving with the A.O.C. was sent to France, serving from 25/7/1915.

On 2/7/1917, their third son Ronald David Pears WOOFF, (12/7/1917 - 12/1/1985) was born, and the family were now living at 27, East Terrace, Heselden, Hartlepool.

As part of his service he was posted to Western Africa, and Sierra Leone. Sadley on 9/6/1919 while in Sierra Leone, still away from home and after the Armistice had been signed, Henry fell ill and died there from Malaria. His death certificate records him as T/419 Armamant Staff Sgt. aged 32 (erroneously).

He was buried at Freetown (King Tom) cemetery, in grave I.E.5. Many of the first World War graves there are those that died from the epidemic of sickness at the end of the war.

Numerous graves were from service personnel that served on, or disembarked from H.M.S. MANTUA. The C.W.G.C. carried out extensive repairs to the sea walls following severe storm damage and collapse in 2016.

H.M.S. MANTUA arrived at Freetown, Sierra Leonne on 15/8/1918.

As some of her passengers and crew were ill with influenza, H.M.S. MANTUA is considered one of the first ships to have spread the ongoing pandemic to the African continent.

Ada applied and was granted a Widows Pension from the Army. His death certificate - erroneously, records his age as 32, Not 41 as it actually should be.

By 1921, Ada and her 3 sons were living with five of her family members at 27, East Terrace, and by 1939 Ada and Ronald were living at 16, Leaholme Street, Easington, County Durham. Ronald is recorded as Clerk to A.R.P. - Sub-Organiser.

For his military service, Henry WOOFF was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War and Victory Medals.

He was also awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct medal under Army Order 110 ( March) 1920.

This appears to have been issued posthumously and sent after he died. His initial awarded British War and Victory medals were incorrecly engraved as “WOOLF” and were returned for amendment in 1920 to WOOFF, and were reissued in 1922.

The family was also presented with a Memorial Plaque and Scroll. Ada Louise WOOFF died in 1953, being registered in the Sunderland district, aged 74. She didn't remarry.

Henry WOOFF is also commemotated on the following memorials: Heselden (New) War memorial, Heselden, Durham. St. Johns Church, Church Street, Heselden. Plaque and Clock & Bell. (Church now deconsecrated and plaque is at Heselden Primary School).

The Northern Daily Mail 10/8/1932 page 3 reported that Norman WOOFF (aged 18), 27, East Terrace, Heseleden,appeared before Hartlepool Police Court on a charge of failing to stop for a Police Constable, while riding a bicycle at speed. He was formally warned about such conduct and ordered to pay 4s. costs.

It appears that Norman Pears(e) WOOFF joined the Royal Air Force, under the National Service Act. Service number 935290 between September 1939 - August 1940. He was apointed as a clas “F” reservist.

“Posted to No. 1 R.E.C., C.M.F. with effect from 17/09/1945 for preparation for departure to U.K. for Class 'A' Release. Entrained Italy on 20/09/1945 and Posted to the Home Establisment - Auth: H.Q. Med/ME Signal P.892 dated 14/08/1945. Corporal / Aircraft hand. 123 Maintenance Unit, No. 1 Release Embarkation Centre, Central Mediterranean Force”. -

(AIR29/1113).

 On 27/3/1964, aged 44, he married Dorothy E. LEVIN (45 years), in Whatcom County, Washington, U.S.A.

It appears that William Richard WOOFF (Richard William WOOF), may also have joined the Royal Air Force, under the National Service Act. Service number 3149250 on 12/4/1956. (AIR178/175/2) It appears that Ronald Douglas Pears WOOFF by June 1940 was serving as a Pte. in the Royal Army Service Corps.

The Northern Daily Mail 31/10/1938 page 6 reports on the wedding of William WOOFF and Elizabeth TATTESALL. (Photo).

The Northern Daily Mail 17/6/1940 page 4, reports on the wedding of Ronald WOOF and Cicely BARKAS.