Walter Tull: Support our petition to award Tull the Military Cross

Walter Tull: Soldier, Footballer, Hero.

Operation Black Vote and Barac have raised a petition which calls upon Prime Minister David Cameron to posthumously award Walter Tull the Military Cross for which he was recommended.

Walter Tull was the first Black officer in the British Army. He was also Britain’s first Black professional footballer too. During the First World War, due to discriminatory rules, Black people were barred from becoming officers.

However, Tull’s superiors demanded that he be promoted due to his ability and the way he distinguished himself in key battles. He was promoted no less than three times. Before joining the army Tull played top flight football for Tottenham Hotspurs, becoming the UK's first Black professional outfield player. Although Tull was often subject to racist abuse his dignity shamed his abusers. One report highlighted,

‘Tull is so clean in mind and method as to be a model for all white men.’

But it was on the battlefield, and the respect that his peers and superiors had for him which makes him stand out. Second Lieutenant Walter Daniel John Tull led his men on dangerous missions behind enemy lines and returned without loss or injury. For these acts of bravery he was cited for his,

"gallantry and coolness"

under fire by Major General Sir Sydney Lawford, his commanding officer and he was recommended for the Military Cross. That recommendation never reached the right military authorities.

Despite being wounded Walter Tull returned to the front to lead his men into battle on numerous occasions. Returning to the Somme in 1918 Walter Tull was killed in battle as he was helping his men retreat to safety. He died on the battlefield.

So moved by the story, particularly in regard to Tull not being awarded his medal, the best-selling author Michael Morpurgo of War Horse fame, wrote his next book, ' A Medal for Leroy' as a poignant and moving tribute to Tull.

Help us right this wrong to this extraordinary sporting and military hero so that he may be posthumously awarded the Military Cross.

Click here to support the petition

OBV Staff Writer