The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the Posthumous award of the
Distinguished Service Cross
to the undermentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during
operations in the South Atlantic:
Distinguished Service Cross
Lieutenant Commander John Stuart WOODHEAD, Royal Navy
On 4th May 1982, HMS SHEFFIELD was hit amidships by an Exocet missle launched from an Argentine aircraft and sustained major damage and casualties.
Fire and thick acrid smoke spread throughout the centre of the ship.
After 4½ hours extensive effort, with fire approaching the forward missile and gun magazines the order was given to abandon ship.
At the time of the missile impact Lieutenant Commander Woodhead directed damage control action near the Operations Room.
He then went below to the Computer Room and with the Computer Room crew began to assess the damage to his weapon systems.
Smoke caused the Operations Room above and then the forward sections of the ship to be evacuated but Lieutenant Commander Woodhead continued at his post and carefully and with extreme determination co-ordinated attempts to restore power to essential weapon equipment and succeeded in restoring the computer facility.
By his exceptional qualities of leadership, dedication to duty and courage he inspired the Computer Room crew to follow his brilliant example.
Later, overcome by smoke, Lieutenant Commander Woodhead and his team died at their posts.
His praiseworthy actions were in the highest traditions of the Service.
