Description
Killed in action at the Battle of Maiwand, 27 July 1880.
One author described the stand of the 66th at Maiwand as ‘one of the grandest examples of heroism in the annals of war’. But, for all that, Maiwand was probably the most crushing defeat ever suffered by the British Army in India. Of a total force of over 2,500 men, no less than 962 were killed and 161 wounded.
After the loss of the 66th Foot’s Colours at Maiwand and those of the 24th Foot at Isandhlwana to the Zulus in the previous year, it was decided that never again would a regiment take its Colours with it on active service but would instead lay them up before departure.
James Walker was born in November 1849, enlisted with the 66th Foot at Uxbridge, and embarked with them for India – via the Suez – on 17 February 1870. Promoted Corporal in India, Walker married Louisa Walker on 16 July 1877. When they married, they had three children, however the climate in India appears to have taken its toll and by April 1879 they are listed as having none. Sold together with copied and typed research.
