Description
Royal Naval LS GC, VR, James Phillip Walters, Chief Boatman in Charge, HM Coast Guard, Welshman from Pembroke who fought in the Crimean War. With obituary.
Officially engraved: “James. P. Walters. Chf Btmn in Chge H.M. Coast Gd.”
Awarded during 1886, with copy service papers.
When James died during 1910, his obituary was published in a number of Welsh Newspapers and the Portsmouth Evening News, with a detailed and colourful obituary being published in his local Pembroke County Guardian on 30th December 1910 reading:
“CRIMEAN VETERAN’S DEATH AT NEYLAND
Another of the little band of surviving Crimean Veterans passed away last week at Neyland in the person of Mr James P. Walters, of Beechville, Great Eastern Terrace, Neyland.
Mr Walters, who was 83 years of age, was a native of Neyland.
At the age of 14 he joined the Royal Navy, and he was present in active service at the Crimea.
He was one of a party of sailors who landed at Alma, and also took part in the Siege of Sebastopol.
He escaped without a wound, and received the Crimean Medal with a clasp for Sebastopol. Deceased upon leaving the Royal Navy joined the Coastguard Service, in which he rose to be Chief Officer at Angle, Portreath, Liverpool and Hoylake in turn, returning in 1886.
When stationed at Ilgracombe and Penarth deceased was coxswain of the life lifeboat at these places. Upon his retirement he came to reside at Neyland, where he has lived ever since.
Despite his many adventures deceased could seldom be induced to refer to his experiences, being most reticent upon these matter, even with member of the family.
For the past 2 years he has been in failing health, and he died on December 21st. Mrs Walters pre deceased her husband by 5 years, but he leaves 2 daughters, Mrs Perry of Neyland and Mrs Veal of Newquay, Cornwall.”
