Evelyn Wood (British Army Officer)

Evelyn Wood (British Army Officer)

Field Marshal Sir Henry Evelyn Wood VC, GCB, GCMG (9 February 1838 – 2 December 1919), was a British Army officer.

After an early career in the Royal Navy, Wood joined the British Army. He served in several major conflicts including the Indian Mutiny where, as a lieutenant, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that is awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He further served as a commander in several other conflicts notably 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 on the army staff leading to his appointment as field marshal.