On 28th January 1881, at Laing’s Nek, when the retreat was ordered, Lieutenant Hill remained behind and tried to carry out of the action another lieutenant who was lying on the ground severely wounded. He was unable to lift the man into the saddle and carried him in his arms until he was shot dead. Hill then brought another wounded man out of the action, and then a third. All this was achieved under heavy fire.
It was through a later marriage that Lieutenant Hill became Hill-Walker.
The Battle of Laing's Nek is memorable in that it was occasion regimental colours were carried into battle. The 59th regiment were led into battle with Lieutenant Ballie carrying the the Regimental Colours and Lieutenant Hill carrying the Queen's Colours. When Lieutenant Ballie was wounded, Lieutenant Hill handed both colours to Sergeant Brigstock while he attempted to save Lieutenant Ballie's life.
