Campaign journal of Captain Mark Walker, 18 April 1854 to 14 July 1860

The diary includes Walker's service in the Crimean War (1854-1856) as Adjutant of the 30th (The Cambridgeshire) Regiment of Foot until June 1855 and then for a few days, commanding a company of the 3rd (The East Kent) Regiment of Foot (The Buffs).

On Sunday 10 June 1855 the handwriting of Walker - who just a matter of days before had transferred from the 30th Regiment to the 3rd Buffs - alters dramatically. The author's entry in his journal of that date explains why:

'Last night I went on with the reserve, just as I got into our approach which joins the trench on the right heavy firing commenced at the Mamelon. While I was in the act of hurrying the men up a howitzer shell dropped beside me and exploded. A peice struck me on the right elbow and smashed it. I immediately tied a large handkerchief above the fracture and walked to the rear untill I met some of the 55th who put me on a stretcher and carried me to Camp. I received great kindness from my new brother officers. After some time I was carried to a hut at the General Hospital where I now am. I was put under chloroform and on coming to consciousness I found my arm taken off above the elbow during the night and today I suffered a good deal of pain. The loss I have experienced is very great but I am very thankful that my life has been spared. The hut has been filled with sympathising visitors particularly my old comrades of the 30th.'