Right the wrong for hero Tull

WALTER Tull was killed at the age of 29 in 1917, by a German assault in northern France. More than 100 years later, he has yet to receive the formal recognition he deserves.

Walter served our country with distinction during the First World War. He fought in six battles, including the Somme and Ypres.

Defying military regulations that prohibited “any negro or person of colour” from serving in positions of authority, he became Britain’s first black Army officer. A true British hero, Second Lieutenant Walter Tull fought for our country while simultaneously battling the pervasive racist structures within it.

By resisting bitter prejudice, Walter died defending the values we enjoy today in more ways than one.

RACISM

Institutional racism was something he fought against his entire life.

Before he joined the 17th

Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, Walter became the second black professional footballer in Britain, enduring racial abuse while playing for Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town. But he overcame hatred and bigotry to make sporting and military history.

After leading 26 men into enemy Italian territory, coming out on the other side with his men unharmed, he was recommended for the

Military Cross for his “gallantry and coolness”. Due to his race, however, he never received this recognition.

Earlier this year, I called on the government to posthumously award Walter Tull the Military Cross. Despite being backed by more than 120 MPS across six parties, this request continues to be rejected today.

This is a wrong that must be righted. We cannot let an incredible man become a forgotten story.