Capturing General Sir Roly Walker

This portrait, created as part of the ongoing work of the Rory Lewis Non-Profit, documents General Sir Roly Walker, the professional head of the British Army.

Commissioned into the Irish Guards in 1993, General Walker has commanded at company, battle group, brigade, and strategic levels, with operational service in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He commanded the Grenadier Guards in 2009 and later served across brigade, divisional, army, and strategic headquarters.

Capturing General Sir Roly Walker (Rory Lewis Photographer 2025)

Capturing General Sir Roly Walker (Rory Lewis Photographer 2025)

From 2021 to 2024, as Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military Strategy & Operations), he oversaw and advised on operations including Covid-19 support, the withdrawal from Kabul, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, national ceremonial operations, multiple evacuations, and responses to emerging global crises. In June 2024, he assumed office as Chief of the General Staff.

Appointed KCB in 2023 and DSO in 2010, General Walker is also President of the Honourable Artillery Company, Army Rugby, and Army Winter Sports. This portrait contributes to a wider independent archive recording senior military leadership for historical and institutional legacy.