Educated at Elizabeth College, 1825-33; college No 64; joined the British Legion in Spain during the Carlist Revolution of 1836. With the 6th Scotch Grenadiers, he took an enemy Battery which had been previously turned by the 3rd or Westminster Grenadiers, and in which upwards of eighty officers and eight hundred men of the British Legion were killed or wounded. He was awarded the Cross of San Fernando for conspicuous gallantry.
He shortly afterwards was posted to the 15th Regiment, and went with the Regiment to Canada. During the sudden burning of the Barracks at Chambly, he got out safely, but returned to save his Fernando Cross, and perished in the fire in doing so.
A Mural Tablet to his memory is in the South Nave Aisle of the Town Church, Guernsey - "Sacred to the memory of Walter Carey Esq. Ensign 15th Regiment of Foot. Youngest son of James Carey Esq. of the Island, who perished in the conflagration of the barracks at Chambly, Lower Canada, on the night of the 19th October 1858. Aged 21 years. He had escaped from the flames but unhappy returned to rescue the Cross of San Fernando conferred on him for his gallantry in the battle of the 5th May 1836, near St. Sebastian, while an officer of the British Legion in Spain. A youth of more than common amiability and promise. He is deeply lamented and his disconsolate parents have erected this tablet in sad remembrance of his death and of their bereavement."
|