William Francis Frederick Waller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Francis Frederick Waller
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 20 August 1839 Dagoolie, British India |
| Died | 29 January 1885 (aged 45) Bath, Somerset |
| Buried |
Locksbrook Cemetery, Bath
|
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Bengal Army British Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1857- |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Colonel William Francis Frederick Waller was a very brave soldier who received the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the British and Commonwealth forces. He was born on August 20, 1839, and passed away on January 29, 1885.
A Heroic Act: The Capture of Gwalior Fort
William Waller was born in Dagoolie, India, on August 20, 1839. His parents were Thomas and Alicia Ann Waller. He later married Mary Anna Grierson in Bombay, India, on June 16, 1864.
When he was just eighteen years old, William Waller was a lieutenant in the 25th Bombay Light Infantry. This was during a big conflict known as the Indian Mutiny. On June 20, 1858, a major event happened at Gwalior Fort in British India.
Waller and another officer, Lieutenant Rose, were the only Europeans there. They were part of a small group attacking the strong Gwalior Fort. They planned a surprise night attack. They climbed onto the roof of a house and bravely fought the gunners who were defending the fort. After a tough fight, they managed to take control of the fort.
For his incredible bravery during this action, William Waller was given the Victoria Cross. The official statement about his award said:
For great gallantry at the capture by storm of the fortress of Gwalior, on the 20th June, 1858. He and Lieutenant Rose, who was killed, were the only Europeans present, and, with a mere handful of men, they attacked the fortress, climbed -on the roof of a house, shot the gunners opposed to them, carried all before them, and took the fort, killing every man in it.
Even though his brave act happened in 1858, his award was not officially announced until February 25, 1862.
William Waller continued his military career and eventually reached the high rank of colonel. He passed away in Bath, Somerset, on January 29, 1885. He is buried there in the Locksbrook Cemetery. Today, his Victoria Cross medal is on display at the Imperial War Museum in London.
His Family
William Waller was married and had children. One of his children was named Frederick Charles Livingston Waller.
