George Walters (VC)

Fought off Russian soldiers to save a wounded senior officer

George Walters was born at Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, on 15 September 1829. He joined the 49th Regiment of Foot and attained the rank of sergeant. During the Crimean War his regiment served in the Allied army operating against the Russian naval base at Sevastopol.

At Inkerman on 5 November 1854, fighting developed in poor visibility and broken ground, with small groups of soldiers repeatedly finding themselves isolated. Brigadier General Henry Adams was in immediate danger from Russian soldiers. Walters went to his assistance and used his bayonet against the attackers, enabling the wounded general to be brought away. The action was recognized by the Victoria Cross after the decoration was instituted.

Walters' campaign service also included the Alma and the siege of Sevastopol. His Crimea Medal carries the three clasps Alma, Inkermann and Sebastopol. He received the Turkish Crimea Medal as well. These awards place his conspicuous action within a longer period of service in the expeditionary army.

After leaving military service he entered the Metropolitan Police. His appointment began on 5 January 1857, and he served in R Division before leaving on 26 October of that year. He subsequently worked as a park keeper in Regent's Park, a civilian occupation that connected him with the daily life of London after the dangers of the Crimea.

He married and had children, including sons James, George and Ephraim. His later years were affected by tuberculosis. Walters died at his home in Marylebone on 3 June 1872, aged forty-two, and was buried in the cemetery now known as East Finchley Cemetery. His grave was initially unmarked. His surviving medals form a compact group recording both the rescue at Inkerman and his wider Crimean service.

Victoria Cross citation: Highly distinguished himself at the Battle of Inkerman, in having rescued Brigadier-General Adams, C.B., when surrounded by Russians, one of whom he bayonetted.

Supplement to The London Gazette of 24 February 1857. 24 February 1857, Numb. 21971, p. 660