Captain John Cameron Nixon with his big sword

By GEORGIA BATES

AN army veteran gave a talk about the history behind a network of street names – and brought along a sword he had been presented with as an officer.

Captain John Cameron Nixon, 92, held a captive audience at the Queen’s Crescent Community Association on Tuesday.

He spoke about an area of Kentish Town he dubbed the “Crimean area” that was developed in 1856 by Queen Victoria. There are five streets named after battles and commanders: Alma Street, Cathcart Street, Inkerman Road, Raglan Street and Willes Road.

Mr Nixon said: “The whole area, historically, is in connection with the Crimean war.”

The Battle of the Alma was the first victory for the British and French in the Crimean war. Cathcart Street comes from General Sir George Cathcart who was among 17,500 soldiers who died in the Battle of Inkerman – a neighbouring street. The Crimea Pub, which closed in 1996, was also once on Inkerman Road but has since been turned into flats. The pub’s sign remains on the building.

Alongside his display, Mr Nixon brought along his “claymore” sword which he was presented with as an officer, and two batons from his and his father’s time in service.

He said: “The weapon itself is not dangerous, it’s the man who uses it. I was trained to use it.”