A very unusual Drummer’s Egyptian War and later Great War Mercantile Marine group awarded to Drummer G. Woods, 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders who would be present during the Egyptian War of 1882 taking part in the action at the Battle of Tel-el-Kebir on 13th September 1882, before going on to take part during the Suakin operations which lasted from 19th February to 26th March 1884, and present in action at the Battle of El Teb on 29th February 1884, and the Battle of Tamaai on 13th March 1884, and then was later present during the operations along the Nile in the attempt to relief General Gordon at Khartoum prior to 7th March 1885. Having later been discharged he would see service as a Merchant Seaman with the Mercantile Marine during the Great War.
Group of 4: Egypt Medal 1882-1889, dated reverse, 4 Clasps: Tel-El-Kebir, Suakin 1884, El-Teb_Tamaai, The Nile 1884-85; all clasps are Tailor’s copies (*** DRUMR G. WOODS. 1/GORD ***) British War Medal 1914-1919 and Mercantile Marine War Medal; (GEORGE WOODS). Khedive’s Star dated 1884, the reverse engraved ’75 496’. Mounted loose for wear.
Condition: Mounted loose for wear, the Egypt Medal heavily contacted obscuring the naming at both 3 and 9 o’clock, thus Fine, other medals, Good Very Fine
George Woods was born at Carrickfergus on 2nd March 1862 and originally attested at Belfast on 2nd March 1877. At the time of enlistment he was just 15 years of age, therefore underage and would serve with the rank of Lad. He would be promoted to Drummer on 1st October 1878, reverting to Private on 1st May 1879, was reappointed Drummer on 1st July 1880 in which capacity he would be present during the Egyptian War of 1882 taking part in the action at the Battle of Tel-el-Kebir on 13th September 1882, before going on to take part during the Suakin operations which lasted from 19th February to 26th March 1884, and present in action at the Battle of El Teb on 29th February 1884, and the Battle of Tamaai on 13th March 1884, and then was later present during the operations along the Nile in the attempt to relief General Gordon at Khartoum prior to 7th March 1885 and promoted to Lance Corporal, 19th January 1887 and Corporal on 9th July 1887. On 8th August 1888 he reverted to Private and was finally discharged on 1st March 1898, having completed 21 years service with colours. He would later serve during the Great War as a Merchant Seaman with the Mercantile Marine.
Woods died in Belfast on 26th December 1941. A very unusual combination of medals.
