Should Walter Tull have been awarded his Military Cross?
2nd Lieutenant Walter Daniel John Tull received his commission as an Officer, 30 May, 1917.
In November, 1917, after becoming the first black British Officer to lead white troops while fighting in the battles of Messines and Passchendaele, he was posted to the Italian front.
On both Christmas Eve, 1917 and New Years Day, 1918, in hazardous weather conditions, Walter led his men across the dangerous River Piave on missions behind enemy lines and returned them to base without loss or injury. For these acts of bravery, he was cited for his ‘gallantry and coolness’ under fire by Major General Sir Sydney Lawford, his commanding officer. He was recommended for the Military Cross but never received it, perhaps because the army broke it’s own regulations, which forbade men of non-European descent from becoming Officers.
Crossing the White Line seeks to have Walter Tull posthumously presented with his Military Cross.
Vote YES if you agree, vote NO if you disagree
Above is a letter from 2nd Lieutenant D Pickard, he mentions that Walter Tull had been recommended for a Military Cross. To see a typed up version of the letter, download activity pack from resources.
Below is an excert from the Northampton Independent, March 16th, 1918, which descripes Walter Tull's heroic effort in leading troops to safety under heavy fire. His act of bravery led him to being mentioned in despatches. Phil Vasili.
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