Proof - Walter Tull was recommended for Military Cross

There’s been a lot of talk about why the Great War hero Walter Tull should not receive, posthumously, the Military Cross.

The main objection has been: “Well there were a lot of brave soldiers out there during the First World War, why should we make the case for Walter Tull just because he was Black”? Of course Walter Tull’s family and campaigners have always argued that the Military Cross was highly recommended for Tull’s bravery, but somehow it  got lost in the system. How, why, we can only hazard a guess.

Now here’s the proof from an extraordinary letter not written from rose tinted glasses of a removed generation, but from a battle hardened Captain who was there and who knew Tull, his exploits and what had been recommended by other Generals.

In a most moving letter written on April 17th 1918 he writes about the death of Tull stating:

“Being at present in command of the 6th Battalion (the Captain was wounded) allows me to say how popular he was throughout the Battalion. He was brave and conscientious; and had been recommended for the Military Cross, and had certainly earned it.

Now he has faced the supreme sacrifice, the Battalion and Company have lost a faithful officer, personally I have lost friend. Can I say more! Accept that I hope that those who remain may be as true and faithful as he.

Yours sincerely

Captain D Peckard”

Once and for all this letter dispels any myths about whether or not Tull was brave soldier, a leader of men, and above all whether or not he was recommended for the Military Award. He was!

For his bravery and leadership on the battle field and for breaking race barriers by becoming the First Black officer, along with being one of the first Black footballers in English football, the Prime Minister has it within his powers and should posthumously give Walther Tull the Military Cross and the rightful recognition he deserves as a British hero.

Simon Woolley