b. 18/06/1834 London. d. 1864 India.
Walter Cook (1834-1864) is a recipient of the Victoria Cross that sadly very little is known about except for his actions on the morning of 15th January 1859. A Londoner, he was born there on 18th June 1834. He joined the 42nd Regiment of Foot at the time of the Indian Mutiny. In January 1859, the 42nd Highlanders were detached from General Walpole’s column and sent to guard the crossing points on the River Sarda bordering Oudh and Rohilkand.
No image of Walter Cook VC
On the morning of the 15th, it was learned that a strong rebel force had crossed the Sarda at Maylah Ghat. Unable to use his cavalry in the thick jungle, Colonel Smythe sent a detachment of 37 Highlanders to intercept the rebels with the hope that he could reinforce them with men who were on picquet duty. Soon they were in the thick of the fighting, and two officers were wounded, one mortally. When the sergeant and two corporals were also killed, the privates were left to fight. When all seemed lost, the detachment of picquets arrived, which forced the rebels to fall back. Two of the Privates, Walter Cook and Duncan Millar were singled out for their gallantry and recommended for the VC, with the citation published on 21st June 1859.
Little more is known about Cook, except that he drowned just 5 years after his VC action in the River Ravi, India. His medals are not publicly held.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: NOT PUBLICLY HELD.
BURIAL PLACE: BODY LOST, DROWNED IN RIVER RAVI, INDIA.
