Woodward was born in Brent Knoll in Somerset, England and was the son of a General dealer (Rag and bone man).
He was educated to elementary level in England and initially worked with his father but later became a produce agent and farmer in East Brent.
[1] Woodward entered parliament as the Labor member for Lane Cove after he won the seat at 1944 state election.
The Liberal Democrat candidate was Norman Thomas a former United Australia Party member for the seat of Bondi.
[2] The unification of New South Wales' urban conservative politicians in the Liberal Party in 1945, augured the end of Woodward's parliamentary career.