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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 59

(x) An unusual campaign group of four awarded to Drummer G. Woods, 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, later Merchant Marine, doubtless an extremely rare combination

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 4 clasps, Tel-El-Kebir, Suakin 1884, El-Teb_Tamaai, The Nile 1884-85 (... rumr. G. Woods. 1/Gor...), very heavy wear to naming; British War and Mercantile Marine War Medals (George Woods); Khedive's Star 1882, the reverse numbered' 75 496', note the service number corresponds correctly with the Egypt and Sudan Medal, mounted as worn, the first very heavily worn and pitted, overall nearly very fine (4)

One of 493 Suakin 1884 clasps to the Regiment.

George Woods was born at Carrickfergus, County Antrim on 2 March 1862 and attested at Belfast on 2 March 1877 with the 75th Foot in the rank of 'Lad'. He was appointed Drummer on 1 October 1878 and saw his first service in Egypt with this rank in 1882 as part of the Highland Brigade at the Battle of Tel-El-Kebir. There the Gordon's- as they had since been redesignated- were part of the leading wave alongside the Cameron Highlanders, overwhelming the Egyptian defences at bayonet point.

Woods was to remain in the country for some time after Tel-El-Kebir, being posted to Sudan in 1884 and seeing further action at the twin Battles of El-Teb and Tammai. Later he was to serve in Upper Egypt as part of the British forces keeping the Mahdist advance at bay and finally leaving the country on 8 September 1885.

Posted to Malta on 9 September 1885 he was advanced Lance-Corporal whilst stationed there on 19 January 1887 and Corporal on 9 July 1887, posted to Ceylon he remained there for two years before returning home where he remained until he was discharged on 1 March 1898.

Woods was serving with the Merchant Marine on the outbreak of the Great War, entitling him to the unusual and possibility unique combination of medals he eventually received. He does not appear to have remained in one place for long with his medals and ribbons issued to various addresses including Canning Place, Liverpool; 55 Lloyd Street, Everton; Bowling Green, Liverpool and 40 Lower Canal Walk Southampton. What is clear however is that he died at Belfast on 26 December 1941; sold together with copied service papers.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£600 to £800

Starting price
£480