6. He Gained a Promotion by Merit
The Victorian military establishment generally promoted those with money or credentials, but Wolseley actually managed to earn it by merit. He spent his early years serving all over the Empire, circling around Burma to China, even to the Crimea.
Not one to go down without a fight, Wolseley was injured not once but twice in battle, losing his sight in one eye. His courage and competency gained him attention from his peers, and he led victorious expeditions to Red River in Canada (1870) and in the Ashanti War in east Africa (1873-4). Furthermore, he led soldiers in the Zulu War, while also annexing Egypt for Britain in 1882, following the defeat of nationalist forces at Tel-el-Kebir.
Not only was he commended on his success as a field commander, but Wolseley took administrative power roles in Cyprus and South Africa.
While Wolseley’s field career had a great run, it ended with tragedy just before he was set to move on. Unfortunately, he was unable to save Khartoum from Mahdists, which led to the death of British Commander and Major-General Gordon and his troops.