Edward Alexander Wood CB

Edward ‘Eddie’ Wood was commissioned as a cornet in the 10th Hussars on 16 July 1858, commanded a Troop from 13 July 1867 and promoted to lieutenant-colonel on 31 May 1881, and full colonel on 22 Nov 1883. He commanded the 10th from 1881 to 1886. In 1878 he was in temporary command while Lord Ralph Kerr was in England on sick leave. He made all the preparations for the regiment when they were ordered to Afghanistan, and led them in the first action against Ali Masjid fort which was captured. Lord Kerr returned in March 1879 while the regiment was at Jellalabad. He was involved in the Langhman Valley operations, mentioned in despatches and given a brevet of lieutenant-colonel. When the Amir, Yakub Khan arrived Wood was in the escort with Cavagnari.
Lieut-Col Wood commanded the regiment from June 1881 for the rest of their tour in India. In Feb 1884 they sailed for England but were diverted to Suakin in the Sudan where they were reunited with Valentine Baker. Col Wood commanded the cavalry brigade in the Second Battle of El Teb, and the battle of Tamai. The 10th returned to England but in the autumn of 1884 Col Wood was sent to Austria to study their cavalry. After leaving the 10th Hussars on 31 May 1886 he was appointed inspector of Auxiliary Cavalry and second in command of the Aldershot Brigade. In 1890 he commanded at Hounslow District in the rank of Major-General. His last command was at Shorncliffe Camp. He was a popular officer who lived and breathed the regiment, although strict on discipline. He was a keen sportsman as a horse racer and cricketer. On 17 June 1871 he married Janet Alexander, daughter of Captain Caledon Du Pré Alexander of the 1st Life Guards. They lived at Redoubt House, Shorncliffe and had at least one child. The photo is of Major Wood from a group of officers of the 10th Hussars which was taken in Afghanistan in 1879. Thanks to Hussards Photos.

Regimental Details | Commanding Officers