 After being educated in England, Speedy returned to India as an army officer himself.He served in the North-West Frontier Province from 1854 to 1860, receiving the Indian Mutiny, Punjab and Eufoszai medals.While hunting in the Horn of Africa, Speedy was summoned to the court of Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia, who bestowed on him the title "Basha Felika" ('Sir Speedy' or 'Commander Speedy').