I recently attended (pictured here) the launch at The Grand in Folkestone of Phil Vasili's excelllent new biography of Walter Tull. You can also see me being intereviewed at the book launch HERE.
I was invited to speak at the book launch about the Step Short project, of which I am Chairman. You can read more about this in previous entries on my blog. Step Short is looking to raise awareness of the stories of the hundreds of thousands of men who left Folkestone for France during the war, many of whom never returned.
Walter was born in Folkestone in 1888 and was killed in action in the First World War in 1918. He had the distinction of being the first black soldier to be commissioned as an officer in the British army, and had previously been the first black professional footballer playing in an outfield position in the English league. He played for teams including Tottenham Hotspurs and Northampton Town.
The story of Walter Tull was rediscovered following research by the Dover War Memorial project and has become an inspiration for many people. At a time when young people need positive role models Walter's story of personal bravery and sacrifice is inspirational.
At the time of his death in the war it was proposed that Walter Tull should receive the Military Cross for his bravery, but the medal was not awarded. Many supporters of Walter Tull belive that it would be fitting for him to be awarded the medal postumously and I completely support them in this endeavor. There are precedents for this, as in in 2007 a Maori soldier from New Zealand, Mr. Haane Manahi, who served in the Second World War, was officially honoured in a ceremony attended by Prince Andrew representing the Queen where his bravery was recognised.
Last year I launched a campaign group on facebook to support this which you can join by clicking HERE
If I am elected at the general election in May I will do all I can to press the case for a formal honour to mark Walter Tull's life and sacrifice.