Walton was commissioned as an ensign in the Coldstream Guards on 8 May 1806. He was present at the Battle of Copenhagen in September 1807 during the Napoleonic Wars. He then saw action at the Battle of Talavera in July 1809, the Battle of Bussaco in September 1810 and the retreat to the Lines of Torres Vedras in Spring 1811. He served as battalion adjutant at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815. He went on to become commanding officer of his regiment in December 1839.