Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Omani Order of the Special Royal Emblem and Sultan’s Distinguished Service Medal for Gallantry group of ten awarded to Major W. G. Wood, Sultan of Oman’s Armed Forces, late Royal Army Ordnance Corps, who served as the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in Northern Oman

Oman, Sultanate, Order of the Special Royal Emblem, Expatriate Officer’s type, silver, with Omani crown emblem on riband, in fitted Asprey, London, case of issue; Sultan’s Distinguished Service Medal, for Gallantry, bronze, with Khunjar gallantry emblem on riband; Peace Medal, bronze, with Omani crown emblem on riband; Tenth Anniversary Medal, silvered; Glorious 15th National Day Medal, bronze; Great Britain, 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (22231899 W.O. Cl.2. W. G. Wood. RAOC.) mounted court-style as worn, edge bruising, generally very fine (10) £1,000-£1,400

William George Wood joined the Sultan of Oman’s Armed Forces on 7 August 1976, and was awarded the Sultan’s Distinguished Service Medal for Gallantry. The Recommendation states:
‘Ra’ees [Major] William George Wood is the Officer Commanding the Ammunition Sub Depot of the Base Ordnance Depot and the senior Ammunition Technical Officer in Northern Oman This entails being on continual stand-by to deal with Explosive Ordnance Disposal requests routed through the Royal Oman Police. He has been called to deal with a number of unexploded bombs and rockets dating from 1958 which he has made safe with deceptive ease. On at least two occasions he displayed gallantry of a particularly high order.
In June 1978 he had to recover an unexploded aircraft rocket from a well at Izki and because of the risk of damage to life and property he subsequently drove with it cushioned on his lap to an area where it could be safely destroyed. This was a most hazardous operation carried through with courage and skill.
On 19 July 1979 he was again tasked to deal with an unexploded bomb located 800 feet below Halhal in the Jebel Akdar. Access to the bomb could only be gained by Ra’ees Wood being winched down from a helicopter. He had not flown in a helicopter before and he was therefore briefed on winching techniques prior to being winched down with his detonating equipment onto a ledge by the bomb. The fuse was lit and Wood was winched back into the helicopter to await detonation at a safe distance. No detonation occurred and after the prescribed safety time allowance Wood was winched back down to the bomb. This experienced officer was immediately aware, having seen the state of the detonator, of the danger of an immediate explosion which would have put his life and that of the helicopter crew at risk. With complete disregard for his own safety he urgently waved the helicopter away instead of asking to be winched up. He then calmly removed the faulty detonator from the charge and prepared a second. The helicopter returned, the fuse was ignited, Wood was winched back up to the helicopter, and the detonation was ultimately successful.
Wood’s entire service in Oman has been characterised by tireless effort and leadership of the highest possible order. He has removed the risk of loss of life and damage to civilians and their property, and put his own life at risk on their behalf. The incidents at Izki and Halhal are examples of this officer’s outstanding personal courage and devotion to duty.’

Sold with the Bestowal Document for the Omani Order of the Special Royal Emblem, named to Major William George Wood, and dated 18 November 1985; the original typed Recommendation for the Sultan’s Distinguished Service Medal for Gallantry, mounted on card with embroidered ribbon surround; the recipient’s riband bar; and related miniature awards for the 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; and Army L.S. & G.C., these mounted as worn.