Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Indian Mutiny medal awarded to General Sir H. H. A. Wood, K.C.B., Bombay Army

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (Mjr. H H A Wood Staff of C.I & Rajpootana Field Force) suspension slack and claw soldered, edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine £500-600

Henry Hastings Affleck Wood was born in Brussels on 21 April 1826, the son of General John Sullivan Wood, Lieutenant of the Tower of London and his mother Sophia Mary, both of Norfolk Crescent, Bath. He was nominated by Major General Sir Jeremiah Bryant on the recommendation of his father. Admitted to the Service, travelling on the overland route, he arrived in Bombay on 11 January 1844. Attached to do duty as Ensign with the 5th Bombay N.I., 15 January 1844, and to the Bombay 4th N.I. At Baroda, 30 May 1844. Promoted Lieutenant, 11 March 1845; Captain, 28 January 1854; Major, 20 July 1858; Lieutenant-Colonel, 6 November 1866; Colonel, 15 August 1868; C.B., 29 May 1875; Major-General, 15 December 1881; Removed to the Supernumerary List, 31 March 1888; K.C.B., 11 August 1894.

General Sir Henry Hastings Affleck Wood, K.C.B., served with the Reserve Force under Sir Charles Napier in his expedition to Bhawulpore 1845-46, being also present at the Siege of Mooltan, including the attack on the suburbs, storming of the city breach and subsequent capture of the town and surrender of the fortress (Punjab Medal, with clasp).

He served in the Persian Campaign of 1856-57 with the rear-guard at Reshire, attack and surrender of Bushire, forced march on Borazjoon and occupation of the enemies entrenched camp, night attack of the 6th February and battle of Khooshab (Medal with clasp).

Served throughout the Central India Campaign of 1857-58, as Adjutant General to the force under Sir Hugh Rose, and was present at the attack on the camp before Ritghur, battle of Barodea, relief of Saugor, attack and capture of Garrakota, action and forcing the pass of Muddenpore, siege and storming of Jhansi, battle of the Betwa, and subsequent pursuit action and capture of Koonch, battle of Galowlie, and the several actions on the banks of the Jumna, action and capture of Calpee, action of Morar, battle and Capture of Gwalior (Six times mentioned in despatches, Brevet of Major, Indian Mutiny Medal, with clasp). He served again in the field at the latter end of 1858-59 as Adjutant General to the whole of the troops south of the Nerbudda under Sir Hugh Rose.

He served as Assistant Adjutant General of the 1st Division throughout the Abyssinian campaign of 1867-68, and was present at the action of Arogee, and storming and capture of Magdala (mentioned in despatches, Brevet Colonel, Abyssinia Medal).

He commanded the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division of the South Afghanistan Field Force 1879-80, and proceeded with it during the hottest season of the year from Scind up the Bolan Pass to Quetta, and was invalided to India through a severe accident (Afghanistan Medal).

He commanded the Northern Division of the Bombay Army 1881-85.

He married Catherine, the daughter of Henry Sankey, at Bath on 22 March 1846. They had issue: Eva Kate St. Leger, 1852, Hastings St. Leger, 1856, Henry St. Leger, 1858, and Percy Arthur Noding St. Leger, 1859. General Wood and his wife retired to Boulogne-Sur-Mer where she founded the local tennis club. He died at Chateau Gothique, Boulogne-Sur-Mer, on 5 August 1904.

The British library holds General Wood's Order Book, dated June-July 1858, while Adjutant-General of the Central India Field Force. It contains details of every aspect of the Field Force from food, forage, ammunition, sickness, plus the names of hundreds of officers and men with whom he came into contact and the orders that he both received and gave. A wonderful source of information for those interested in the Central Indian Campaign. [Mss. Eur. D1007]

The lot is sold with 3 copy photographs of the General, two in full dress uniform with medals and one wearing miniatures, together with another of his wife, and a comprehensive file of research.