King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

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John Winder

From the Regimental Journal, The Lion and The Rose, April 1912

The King's Own Veterans

.....One of the most remarkable of these veterans is John Winder, a native of Shrewsbury, who joined the 4th Foot in October 1835 and is at present the oldest living veteran.
Winder's first Station abroad was Sydney New South Wales which the Regiment reached in Oct 1837. Here he first heard of the death of William IV., the information being conveyed by a native who brought the mail bag on the troopship. The only words he uttered were " King dead ". It appears that there was an officer of the Regt named King and every one thought it was he. The native however put the matter right by shouting " No, No, Nabob King. " At the Accession of Queen Victoria Winder and his comrades in India took part in the ceremonies associated with the proclamation and coronation of her Majesty.

Winder then went to the Crimea with the regiment and served at Alma, Inkerman and Sevastopol. From 1856 to 1862 Winder, who had been made Sergeant, discharged the duties of Recruiting Sergt. at Shrewsbury. He retired from the Army in November 1862 and received a testimonial from the Mayor and other prominent personages of that time.

On return to Civil life he was appointed rural postman at Battlefield, a highly appropriate district for the worthy old soldier. He afterwards secured appointment as warder at Shrewsbury Prison where he remained for 19 years. The old soldier was delighted to hear from his old corps which he left over 50 years ago. Winder not withstanding his great age is wonderfully active.

© Images are copyright, Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum.
 You must seek permission prior to publication of any of our images.