There was a petition to give Walter Tull a posthumously Military cross which he was recommended for by his commanding officer, Major general Sir Sydney Lawford. Unusually for officers with his service record and commendation he never received the Military cross. The manual of Military Law forbade men not of ‘pure European descent’ from becoming officers. The partition had 3,029 signatures and closed on the 6th November 2013.
He was cited for his gallantry and coolness under fire because he led his men on dangerous missions behind enemy lines and return without loss or injury.
Walter was the first black soldier to become an infantry officer in the British army. He was also Britain’s first Black professional footballer too.
By Tess Walker
Aged 13