Captain Edward Waller, 87th Regiment of Foot, Royal Irish Fusiliers “The Prince of Wales’ Own Irish”

Conflict in Europe

People

Photograph of a watercolor of Castle Waller, photographed by Norman Flahiff and contributed by Mary Wiseman. Castle Waller was sold in 1851 during the Irish Famine by William Henry Brazier Waller, the last of the family to own the estate. (Source: https://www.jocelynwaller.info/Castlewaller.htm )

Early Years

Edward Waller was born in Limerick, Ireland in 1787, the  son of Kilner Waller (b.05-May-1762 Limerick d.28-Nov-1792 Ennis) and Deborah Newton (b.1760 Halifax, Nova Scotia d. 04-Feb-1851, Dublin). Kilner Waller’s father was the son of Richard Waller (the elder) of Castle Waller, pictured above, near Newport, co. Tipperary, and the younger brother of Richard Waller (the younger).

 

Castle Waller was sold in 1851 during the Irish Famine by William Henry Brazier Waller, the last of the family to own the estate.

Castle Waller was sold in 1851 during the Irish Famine by William Henry Brazier Waller, the last of the family to own the estate.

Military Career

In May 1810, The London Chronicle reported – 87th Regiment of Foot Ensign E.P. White to be Lieutenant, vice Hingstone deceased; Edward Waller, Gent. to be Ensign, vice White.

The Dublin Evening Post and Saunders News-Letter editions of 14th July 1810 reported – “Lieutenant General Sir John Doyle’s regiment the 87th (or Prince of Wales Irish regiment) has recently enrolled considerable numbers:- the motto, or legend, is national; “Faug an Ballagh”. To Sir John Doyle, the praise bestowed on Turenne in relation to his paternal attention to the comforts of the soldier, is every way appropriate; from this cause, as well as the promptitude of their commander to be foremost in every service of toil and danger, and accompany and share with them the glory of military attainments, the 87th regiment soon fills its companies.”

It is unclear specifically when Ensign Edward Waller embarked for the Peninsula. However by February 1811 the 2nd battalion 87th Regiment has done a remarkable job to replenish its ranks, and was engaged at Gibraltar, and Cadiz.  Edward would serve throughout the Peninsula War.

Castle of Guzman el Bueno, Tarifa. (contemporary) Pilot (London) 12 February 1812 DUBLIN, FEB 7.- Our gallant countryman, Colonel GOUGH of the 87th, or Prince of Wales’s own Irish regiment, is son of Colonel GOUGH, of the Limerick city militia, now quartered in this garrison. Lieut. M CARROLL, of the 87th, who was wounded at Tariffa, is brother to Brigadier-General CARROLL. Ensign WALLER, of the 87th, who was wounded at Tariffa, is nephew to Captain R WALLER, of Castlewaller, county Tipperary.

Castle of Guzman el Bueno, Tarifa. (contemporary) Pilot (London) 12 February 1812 DUBLIN, FEB 7.- Our gallant countryman, Colonel GOUGH of the 87th, or Prince of Wales’s own Irish regiment, is son of Colonel GOUGH, of the Limerick city militia, now quartered in this garrison. Lieut. M CARROLL, of the 87th, who was wounded at Tariffa, is brother to Brigadier-General CARROLL. Ensign WALLER, of the 87th, who was wounded at Tariffa, is nephew to Captain R WALLER, of Castlewaller, county Tipperary.

A Varied Career

Edward Waller rose to the rank of captain, and travelled the world during the course of his service with the 87th Regiment.  Sadly, he passed away in Calcutta on 13th August 1826.  However, thanks to the amazing research of Edward’s great great great great grandson, Steven, we know much about his military  and personal life.  You can read the full history here.