Regarding the message about Woodgate's death, it should be remembered that half the poor man's skull was shot away and all who saw him said he was dead.
Yet he remained conscious, told his men to fight on, and immediately dictated a message to Warren, which was being delivered when the heliograph was hit by a shell.
Woodgate became agitated on the stretcher on the way down the Kop, and was hurried to Spearman's Farm where he was operated on by Treves - something others called "experimental". Poor Woodgate; he was carried to Frere by Gandhi's NVIAC bearers, and lingered on for 2 months in Mooi River, lapsing in and out of consciousness, till he succumbed.
I am really not sure of Crofton's wound - he stayed in action till night and climbed down the Kop in the dark, and having climbed that path more than once it is no mean feat.
Another officer, Whyte, was only wounded in the finger and got onto the NFF casualty list, so I don't think you had to pass a test of severity!
It remains a puzzle I may not solve.
thanks all
Rob