From Midshipman to Field Marshal

"From Midshipman to Field Marshal" by Evelyn Wood is a memoir detailing the author's life in the military, penned in the early 20th century. This historical account chronicles his progression from a young naval cadet to a Field Marshal, highlighting significant events and experiences throughout his service. The narrative primarily centers around Wood's involvement in major military campaigns, including the Crimean War and the conflicts in India and South Africa. The opening of the narrative introduces Evelyn Wood's ancestry and early life, connecting his family history to prominent military figures. He recounts his childhood, the challenges he faced in education, and his eventual nomination for the Royal Navy. His experiences as a midshipman aboard H.M.S. "Queen" reveal the rigors of naval life, the personalities of his superiors, and the training he underwent. Through vivid descriptions, Wood sets the stage for the events that follow, indicating his transition into a life dominated by courage, naval battles, and the camaraderie of military service. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Field Marshal Sir Henry Evelyn Wood,, DL was a British Army officer. After an early career in the Royal Navy, Wood joined the British Army in 1855. He served in several major conflicts including the Indian Mutiny where, as a lieutenant, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for valour in the face of the enemy that is awarded to British and Imperial forces, for rescuing a local merchant from a band of robbers who had taken their captive into the jungle, where they intended to hang him. Wood further served as a commander in several other conflicts, notably the Third Anglo-Ashanti War, the Anglo-Zulu War, the First Boer War and the Mahdist War. His service in Egypt led to his appointment as Sirdar where he reorganised the Egyptian Army. He returned to Britain to serve as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Aldershot Command from 1889, as Quartermaster-General to the Forces from 1893 and as Adjutant General from 1897. His last appointment was as commander of 2nd Army Corps from 1901 to 1904.