SOUTH AFRICAN WAR, 1878–9–81. Kafir Campaign, commanded a force in clearing the Buffalo Poort and Perie Bush, and at the attack on the Tutu Bush; at attack on Intaba Ka Udoda Bush, and in the operations on the Buffalo Range. Zulu Campaign, commanded a column at the actions at Zunguin Mountains, and Inhlobane (horse killed), Kambula, and at the battle of Ulundi. Despatches, _London Gazette_, 17th May, 11th and 18th June, 1878; and 21st February, 5th, 15th, 21st, 28th March, 4th, 14th, 21st April, 7th and 16th May, and 21st August, 1879. Medal with Clasp; Knight Commander of the Bath. Transvaal Campaign, conducted negotiations and concluded peace with the Boers. Promoted Major-General; Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George. EGYPTIAN EXPEDITION, 1882. Commanded 4th Brigade, 2nd Division. Operations near Alexandria, and surrender of Kafr Dowar and Damietta. Despatches, _London Gazette_, November 1882. Thanked by both Houses of Parliament. Medal; Bronze Star; 2nd Class, Medjidie. SUDAN EXPEDITION, 1884–5. Nile As Major-General on Lines of Communication. Despatches, _London Gazette_, 25th August 1885 Clasp. GRAND CORDON OF THE MEDJIDIE, 1st Class, 1885. KNIGHT GRAND CROSS OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH, 1901. OTHER DISTINCTIONS PASSED STAFF COLLEGE, 1864. BARRISTER-AT-LAW, 1874. HONORARY COLONEL, 2nd BATTALION ESSEX RIFLE VOLUNTEERS 1879; and 14th MIDDLESEX (INNS OF COURT), 1900. JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, 1885. DEPUTY-LIEUTENANT FOR THE COUNTY OF ESSEX, 1897. GRAND CROSS IMPERIAL LEOPOLD ORDER, 1904. D.C.L., 1907. FROM MIDSHIPMAN TO FIELD MARSHAL CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Ancestry--Parentage--The Grammar School and College at Marlborough-- I become a Naval Cadet. The Woods, from whom I am descended, were for hundreds of years owners of Hareston Manor, Brixton, a small village near Plymouth. There is a record of a John a’ Wood living there in the eighth year of the reign of King Edward the Third, and in the north aisle of the church a ledger stone with coat of arms to John Wood, who died A.D. 1724. The Hareston Woods died out, but a younger branch settled at Tiverton, the head of which manufactured lace and serge, and to him was born and duly apprenticed as a lad, Matthew. He soon started in business on his own account, and eventually became a successful hop merchant, being chosen Lord Mayor of London in 1815 and 1816. He represented the City in nine successive Parliaments,[1] and was as fearless in defending the cause of Queen Caroline, which he warmly espoused, as he was in all matters aldermanic and magisterial. When Lord Mayor, he faced, practically alone, a riotous mob, whose leader was exhorting his followers to storm the Bank of England. Mr. Wood running out into the crowd, pulled the ringleader off his horse, and dragged him inside the Bank railings, a prisoner.