This is Walter Tull.
He was born in Folkestone, Kent on the 28 April 1888.
He was one of Britain’s first black professional footballers.
Walter gave up his career as a footballer to become a soldier in World War One.
He was one of the first black Officers in the British Army.
Watch: The life of Walter Tull
NARRATOR: Walter Tull. Soccer Soldier.
Walter was born in Folkestone, Kent in 1888.
He grew up in a children’s home in London after his parents died.
After leaving school he became a printer’s apprentice.
But his real love was football.
Walter started playing for Clapton before joining Spurs.
At 21 he was only the second black football league player.
He went on to play for Northampton Town but when war was declared in 1914, Walter joined the Footballers’ Battalion.
[WHISTLE]
Walter was sent to France and took part in many battles.
In 1917 he was made an officer and became the first black officer to leader white British soldiers into battle.
In 1918 the German army was making a last effort to win the war.
On 25 March, Walter led an attack across no man’s land where he was hit and killed.
Walter is remembered by his football clubs and was also awarded the 1914-15 star and the War and Victory medals.
What did Walter Tull do?
- Walter's father was a carpenter from Barbados. His mother was from Kent.
- Both Walter’s parents had died by the time he was 9, so Walter moved to an orphanage.
- Walter Tull played football for Clapton, Northampton Town and Tottenham Hotspur.
- When World War One started in 1914, Walter Tull joined the army.
- He fought at the Battle of the Somme in 1916.
- In 1917 he became an Officer.
- At this time, only a white, British-born person could be made an Officer. An exception was made for Walter.
- He died in battle in France on 25th March 1918.
Did you know?
- Walter's name is on the Arras Memorial in France.
- It shows the names of soldiers who lost their lives in the war and don't have known graves.
- Walter has appeared on coins, stamps and statues in Britain.
