Honour Walter Tull by Awarding him the Military Cross and by Erecting a Statue in London
Honour Walter Tull by Awarding him the Military Cross and by Erecting a Statue in London
Why this petition matters
Join this campaign to see the first black British army officer Walter Tull be posthumously awarded the medal he was recommended but did not receive owing to the colour of his skin. This campaign is supported by Walter Tull's descendants, and his former Football Clubs at Northampton Town and Tottenham Hotspur.
Historians and notable authors also back this campaign, as well as 37 Members Of Parliament, who signed an early-day motion supporting the idea of a statue
On 25th March 1918, Walter was killed in action in Northern France during the Second Battle of the Somme. Despite brave efforts by his men who risked their own lives, his body was never recovered. He was just 29 years old. His commanding officers wrote to his family to say that they had recommended him to be awarded the Military Cross.
Walter Tull was also the first top-flight professional footballer to play for Clapton. Tottenham Hotspur, Northampton Town, and Glasgow Rangers. He was a trailblazer and war hero whose life continues to serve as an inspiration.
He served his country from 1914 to 1918. It was highly unusual for a soldier that had served for so long and then recommended for a Military Cross not to receive it.
His brave men saw past his race, unfortunately, the military rules in place at the time did not.
On Behalf of Walter Tull's Family
Walter's living relatives made the following statement;
In terms of campaigning for the military cross, it is something we have been aware of, as the original letters stating that Walter had been recommended for a Military Cross are part of our family archive.
As Walter is our granduncle and a family member, we have always been proud of his courage and great sacrifice – although his loss saddens us, like millions of other families who suffered loss in this terrible war.
We fully understand the sentiment and principles that underpin the campaign to have the Military Cross awarded to Walter posthumously, and we also understand that it is ultimately for others to decide the merits of this case. See the family website The Walter Tull Archive
Tottenham Hotspur
"Tottenham Hotspur is proud to be the Club at which Walter Tull became Britain’s first black outfield player in the Football League and his legacy continues to this day, with educational sessions delivered by our Foundation for children within our local community to learn more about such an influential figure in our history. Walter blazed a trail for the many black professional players that have followed in his footsteps at Tottenham Hotspur and across the country. We are therefore supportive of any campaign that aims to recognise Walter’s immense contribution to the society we live in today"
Northampton Town FC
"Northampton Town Football Club proudly support the campaign to raise the profile of one our former players, Walter Tull, as his inspirational story deserves to be seen and heard far and wide.
Walter was a man of huge courage and someone we are proud to say played for the Cobblers. He was the first British-born black army officer and the first black officer to lead white British troops into battle as well as one of the first black professional footballers, playing over 100 games for Northampton Town.
He is remembered here at Sixfields with the memorial in his name that stands proudly outside the stadium and the road around the complex that bears his name. We believe his achievements, his bravery, and his courage is deserving of the widest possible recognition and we wholeheartedly support the campaign"
Campaign Support From Key Authors
Phil Vasili author, researcher, and filmmaker endorses this campaign. He has worked at FIFA, Kick It Out, FARE, Football Unites, Racism Divides, BBC, Channel 4, and ITV. He has written several books including Walter Tull, 1888-1918: Officer, Footballer: 'All the Guns in France Couldn't Wake Me' and Walter Tull, 1888 to 1918: Footballer and Officer
Stephen Bourne supports this campaign. Stephen is a British writer film and social historian specializing in Black heritage and gay culture. As noted by the BBC among others, Bourne "has discovered many stories that have remained untold for years". His books include War to Windrush: Black Women in Britain 1939–1948, Black Poppies: Britain's Black Community and the Great War and
Black Poppies: The Story of Britain's Black Community in the First World War(Young Readers Edition)
"It is never too late to right a perceived wrong from the past. Exceptions can be made. Walter Tull should be given serious consideration for the Miltary Cross. If not for his exceptional qualities as a soldier, then for being a symbol of all the men of African descent who served their King and country in the Great War but were never given the recognition they deserve"
Members Of Parliament Support
37 MPs signed an early day motion in 2007 to have a statue ( ideally located in White Hall) Motion text “That this House fully supports the campaign to recognise the achievements of Walter Tull with a statue in his honour”
https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/33069/walter-tull
BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE LET’S CHANGE THIS
Walter Tull was an exceptional soldier and the First Black British Officer he represents the forgotten heroes of that terrible war
He is a positive symbol for all soldiers that have been forgotten and died for their country. Walter's memory had until recently been forgotten in the history books. It's important we have a permanent reminder of his existence
Walter Tulls rediscovery in history cannot be ignored it presents an opportunity for us all to raise the profile of such an inspirational figure.
It’s now time to have him recognised with a statue in central London.
FIRST BLACK ARMY OFFICER - Despite military regulations forbidding "any negro or person of colour" being an officer, Tull received his commission in May, 1917
WAR HERO - Walter was sent to the Italian Front where he twice led his Company across the River Piave on a raid and both times brought all of his troops back safely. He was mentioned in Despatches for his 'gallantry and coolness' under fire by his commanding officer.
NO MEDAL AS IT BROKE MILITARY RULES -He was recommended for the Military Cross but never received it. He was never awarded a Military Cross according to the military rules, people of colour were not allowed to be an officer or receive that medal. Let’s redress this for him, his family and the men he led who risked their lives to recover his body
KILLED IN ACTION - Walter Tull died aged 29 on 25th March 1918 while leading an attack on the Western front during the Second Battle of the Somme. The Commanding Officer of the 23rd Battalion recommended him for a Military Cross for bravery.
LEADERSHIP - Walter was such a popular man, several of his men risked their own lives in an attempt to retrieve his body under heavy fire but they were unsuccessful due to the enemy soldiers' advance.
Walter's body was never found and he is one of the thousands of soldiers from World War One who has no known grave. He died in No Man's Land
ONE OF THE FIRST TOP-FLIGHT BLACK FOOTBALLERS
Before the First World War Walter Tull was a professional footballer, he played for Clapton, First Division side Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town, and Glasgow Rangers. Established as one of the Spur's best players he toured with them playing in Argentina and Uruguay.
Walter went on to play 110 times for Northampton in the Southern League and Glasgow Rangers were reportedly interested in signing him when life took another, altogether more challenging turn – World War One.
On 21 December 1914, Walter became the first Northampton player to join the 17th (1st Football) Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment, nicknamed ‘The Diehards’. He served with another ex-Spur, the legendary Vivian Woodward. Walter’s brother, William, also enlisted.
ROLE MODEL FOR THE FUTURE- Let’s help put to right wrongs from the past and help promote a positive role model to us all.
History has seemingly screened out the contribution of Walter Tull it has taken campaigners to have his name recognized. Awarding Tull his medal will help to raise his profile.
WHY WALTER TULL
His values of loyalty towards his country, leadership skills, resilience, and managing adversity make him a superb role model. He showed exceptional qualities as a soldier and has become a symbol of all the men of African descent who served their King and country in the Great War but were never given the recognition they deserved.
Join in the campaign to help his family and future generations and to ensure Walter Tulls memory is not forgotten. Let’s campaign to have a central London statue erected in his honour and for Tull to be posthumously awarded the Military Cross.
Thank you
learn more here WalterTull.org see Facebook Campaign here
Links
History Channel
National football museum
https://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/halloffame/walter
Glasgow Rangers Hall of Fame
https://youtu.be/jx-u0dAaC3Y
Tottenham Football Club
https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/the-club/history/legends/walter-tull/
National Archives
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/walter-tull/
Phil Vasili
Stephen Bourne
