Walter Tull

Walter Tull was born in Folkestone, Kent, on 28 April 1888, the son of Daniel Tull, who came from Barbados.

He played professional football, signing for Tottenham Hotspur in 1909 as one of Britain’s first Black professional footballers, and later turning out for Northampton Town. When war came in 1914 he enlisted, and served in Gallipoli, France, and Italy.

In 1917 he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and led men in combat, crossing a line that Army regulations had drawn to bar Black men from officer rank. He was recommended for the Military Cross for his gallantry at the Battle of Piave in Italy.

On 25 March 1918, during the Second Battle of the Somme, he was killed in action, and his body was never recovered. He gave his name to two demanding worlds, the football pitch and the front line, and met both on his own terms.

His story sits at the centre of how Britain reckons with courage and recognition.

His record is in the regimental records of the 17th Middlesex. His card is in the deck.