Northwood, Herbert Braid

Herbert Braid Northwood was born in Ottawa, Ontario, on 9 September 1884. He was the youngest of William and Margaret Northwood’s four children.

Northwood’s enlistment forms state that his pre-war occupation was “agent”. Northwood was commissioned as a lieutenant in the 77th Canadian Infantry Battalion in his hometown on 12 May 1916. He had previous military experience, having served six years in the 43rd (Duke of Cornwall’s Own Rifles) militia regiment and another two years as a cadet while a student at the Ottawa Collegiate Institute (now Lisgar Collegiate Institute). After training in Canada, Northwood’s unit sailed to England on 19 July 1916 aboard SS Missanabie, arriving in Liverpool 10 days later. Northwood later transferred to the 78th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers).

On 27 September 1918, Northwood was killed instantly when hit in the head by a piece of shrapnel during the Battle of Bourlon Wood. He was posthumously awarded the Military Cross in recognition of the splendid service he had rendered at the front. Of particular note was service as the 12th Brigade’s bombing officer at the Battle of Passchendaele.

Herbert Braid Northwood is buried in Quarry Wood Cemetery, Sains-lès-Marquion, France.

Military Cross

“Lieutenant Northwood has served at the front for over two years. During that period he has rendered splendid service in the capacities of Regimental Officer, Battalion Bombing Officer, and is now acting as Company Commander. As Brigade Bombing Officer his work at Passchendaele was particularly fine and he was recommended for an immediate award for his bravery and devotion to duty. He has performed consistently good work displaying on all occasions a very fine sense of duty and an admirable courage which merit reward.”

– Canada, Military Honours and Awards Citation Cards, 1900–1961