Bill Hern of Historycal Roots attended The Walter Tull Memorial service held at the Assemblies of the First Born Church in Lozells, Birmingham on 25 March 2018.
The event commemorated the 100th anniversary of Walter’s death in World War 1. Walter played football for Clapton, Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton and was one of the first black officers in the British Army.
The service was led by Reverend Dr Desmond Jaddoo with a major contribution from the ‘Why Are West Indians In this Country?’ project (WAWI). Cyrille Regis, one of the most recognisable faces of Black football from the 1970s and 80s, who died in January, was represented by his daughter Michelle who made a moving speech about her father and his faith.
The congregation was reminded that Walter Tull had been recommended for the Military Cross. The recommendation arose from his time serving in Italy and was made by his Commanding Officer, Major General Lawford, who wrote this: “I wish to place on record my appreciation of your gallantry and coolness. You were one of the first to cross the river [the Piave in Northern Italy] prior to the raid on 1st & 2nd Jan.1918 and during the raid you took the covering party of the main body across and brought them back without a casualty in spite of heavy fire.” But, in spite of Lawford’s recommendation and praise, the medal was never awarded.
A letter, signed by over 120 MPs, has been sent to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Defence asking that this situation be rectified. David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, has led on this and is on record as saying; “His [Walter’s] service on behalf of this country was immense. The records suggest great gallantry, great bravery and a kind of coolness. He saved people’s lives, he fought incredibly hard, died young. I think he should be remembered, and the only reason he’s not remembered is because at that time there was extraordinary prejudice towards even having a black man in our armed forces, and certainly towards that black man being a second lieutenant and leading other men.”
Let’s hope the letter has a positive response and Walter’s family can be awarded the medal he earned by sacrificing his life 100 years ago.
