A fine Indian Mutiny Medal 1858-1858, 1 Clasps: Central India, Lucknow, awarded to Rifleman Walter Wallbanks, 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade, who was present at the capture of Lucknow, and then with the Central India Field Force as part of a 'corps d'elite', Ross's Camel Corps, which comprised two companies of carefully selected men, who were called upon to undertake a great deal of independent action hunting down groups of rebels that had fled.
Indian Mutiny Medal 1858-1858, 1 Clasps: Central India, Lucknow; (WALTER WALLBANKS, 2ND BN. RIFLE BDE:)
Condition: some contact wear, about Very Fine.
Walter Wallbanks was born in Stoke upon Trent, Hanley, Staffordshire, sand then attested into the British Army at Stafford when aged 17 years and 9 months on 21st September 1854, joining as a Private the 94th Regiment of Foot, he then transferred on 30th November 1854 as a Rifleman (No.4319) with the 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade, he having previously been underage, and went on to serve for 4 years 219 days, during which time he served for 1 year and 4 months in India, being present during the Indian Mutiny, being present at the capture of Lucknow, he was then with the Central India Field Force as part of the 'corps d'elite' under Major Ross in what became known as Ross's Camel Corps, which was formed from two companies, of 4 officers and 100 men each, drawn from men of the 2nd and 3rd Battalion's, Rifle Brigade. In a letter to Major Ross, Sir Colin Campbell described the unit as a 'corps d'elite', and enjoined him to pick men carefully, as they would be called upon to undertake a great deal of independent action. The Camel Corps was used in 1858 to 1859 to support columns of soldiers despatched during the latter stages of the Indian Mutiny to hunt down groups of rebels that had fled into the countryside of Rohilkund and Oudh, east of Delhi. Long marches would frequently be undertaken in extremely hot weather. Often the rebels would give their pursuers the slip. In the words of the newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel Ross: We had lots of hard, tedious work, and never once all the time I was in command had I to speak a second time to either officers or men. Each seemed to take pleasure in doing what he had to do and in assisting me in every way. The Camel Corps was disbanded on 1st June 1860, just over two years after it was formed. Colonel Ross was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in recognition of his services in command. Having been one of these carefully chosen men, Wallbanks was posted home and discharged on 30th August 1859. Clasp entitlement confirmed.