George Waller (VC)

He seized the guns and helped beat back the attack at Delhi.

George Waller enlisted in the British Army while still a teenager. Born in Surrey around 1827, he joined the 39th Regiment in 1843 and transferred to the 60th Rifles the following year. He sailed to India in 1845 and spent nearly fifteen years there, advancing to corporal and then sergeant.

His first campaigning included the Punjab operations of 1848-49. He took part in the fighting associated with Mooltan and Goojerat, service later recorded by two clasps on his Punjab Medal. By the Indian uprising of 1857 he was an experienced non-commissioned officer in the 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles.

During the assault on Delhi on 14 September, Waller distinguished himself in the charge that captured enemy guns near the Kabul Gate. Four days later he again showed conspicuous courage when opponents launched a sudden attack on a gun near the Chandni Chowk. His conduct in the two actions led the battalion's non-commissioned officers to elect him for the Victoria Cross under the original warrant's provision for selection by comrades.

The award was announced in January 1860. Having returned from India, Waller received the Cross from Queen Victoria at Windsor that November. He had become a colour-sergeant in 1858, although he later reverted to sergeant. His subsequent service included attachment to the Sussex Volunteers as an instructor before he left the Army on pension in 1865.

Waller had married Elizabeth Sutcliffe in India in 1859. In Sussex the family lived in the Cuckfield area, and he later became keeper of the Oak beerhouse. He died at home on 10 January 1877, aged forty-nine, with his wife present. Buried at Holy Trinity, Hurstpierpoint, he left a record of long service and community ties as well as his battlefield distinction. His medals entered the Royal Green Jackets museum collection at Winchester.