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Auction: 22003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 218

(x) Three: Lieutenant-Colonel A. H. E. Wood, Scottish Rifles, the son of the famous Field Marshal, who served as Page of Honour to Queen Victoria, earned a brace of 'mentions' during the Boer War and rose to higher command during the Great War

Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (2/Lt. A. H. Wood. Staff. B.D.); Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith (Capt. A. H. E. Wood. Scottish Rif.); Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 1 clasp, Khartoum (Lieut. A. H. E. Wood. The Cameronians.), very fine (3)

Provenance:
Spink Numismatic Circular, Volume 67 of 1959.

Arthur Herbert Evelyn Wood was born on 26 April 1877, youngest son of Field Marshal Sir Henry Evelyn Wood, V.C., G.C.B., G.C.M.G. and was Third Page of Honour to Queen Victoria in 1893. Educated at Beaumont and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, young Wood was commissioned into the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). He first saw campaign service on the North West Frontier of India (Medal & 2 clasps), thence going out to Egypt and Sudan. It was here that he crossed paths with none other than Winston Churchill, who was at this point angling for his own commission:

'My present plan is this. To leave here about 10th July and go straight to Cairo and on up the river as quick as I can. Sir Evelyn Wood's son' is coming with me and I am pretty sure they will employ us. And of course, if once attached the rest is easy & extension of leave would follow till the end of the campaign, when we must think of other things.'

He saw action during the Sudan campaign (Queen's Medal, Khedive's Medal & clasp)and thence went out to South Africa, for a further opportunity to add to his laurels. He was 'mentioned' in the Spion Kop despatch dated 1 February 1900:

'Scottish Rifles (2nd Battalion) - Lieutenant Colonel E Cooke, commanding, in his report of January 27, mentions the following as having rendered special valuable assistance on 24th:-

Major Twyford was in the most advanced position with his company, and rendered valuable assistance after death of Major Strong in conducting retreat from hill. Captain Murray, who was killed when initiating an advance in the face of a heavy fire.

Lieutenant Green, to encourage his men, rushed forward to an advanced trench, and was immediately followed by the men near him.

Lieutenant Wood, on retreat being ordered, volunteered to search for Captain O'Gowan (wounded), and carried him, with assistance, to bottom of hill.'

Wood was further 'mentioned' in by Lord Roberts in September 1901 and having been returned home, was made Aide-de-Camp to Lieutenant-General Dorrien-Smith in June 1910. He saw further active service during the Great War and was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel (1914-15 Star Trio). He died on 6 September 1940.

A sword which belonged to Wood, which was purchased in 1896 by his father, was found on the field of battle in 1958 by a South African farmer. Although its scabbard had rotted away, the blade remained in good condition and was presented to the Regimental Museum.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£2,900

Starting price
£450