WOOD, Sir Evelyn.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Fine large portrait photograph, signed. This is a superb "presentation" portrait by the well-known society photographer Frank Arthur Swaine (1871-1952). The photograph shows Field Marshal Evelyn Wood in full dress uniform, complete with an impressive ostrich plume-topped cocked hat. His torso is covered with an array of honours and medals, which were rumoured to be edged with black to "accentuate their effect" (ODNB). The photograph is signed "Evelyn Wood 1910."Evelyn Wood (1838-1919) had an extraordinary career. Outraged by what he perceived as an "unjust caning" at Marlborough College, he joined the navy at just 14 years old. He fought with distinction in the Crimea, where he was severely wounded while serving ashore with the Naval Brigade. Wood then transferred to the 13th Light Dragoons and returned to the Crimea. Later, he joined the 17th Lancers and went to India, where he won the Victoria Cross for leading a small force to defeat a much larger group of mutineers.After attending Staff College in 1862, Wood saw action in the Ashanti Campaign and became a key member of "The Wolseley Ring." He participated in the Frontier War of 1877-78, the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, the First Anglo-Boer War, the Egyptian Expedition, and the Gordon Relief Expedition. Despite a falling out with Wolseley, Wood's reputation remained strong. Historian Saul David considers him one of the three great British generals of the late Victorian period, alongside Wolseley and Roberts.

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