Petition launched for Military Cross for Walter Tull

10.50.11am GMT Mon 23rd Mar 2009

Lieutenant Walter Tull

Walter Tull was brought up in Folkestone and taught at the Folkestone North Board school, now Mundella Primary School. He became the second black man to play professional football in Britain, when Tottenham Hotspur signed him in the summer of 1909.

Walter Tull went on to become the first black officer in the British Army in 1917 and spent much of World War I on the frontline, including taking part in the major Somme offensive of July 1916. He was killed in battle on the Western Front in 1918, at the tragically early age of 30.

Folkestone Town Council, amongst others, have written to the Ministry of Defence asking that a posthumous Military Cross be awarded to Lieutenant Walter Tull. The MoD have, to date, refused the request.

Add your support to the campaign for a posthumous Military Cross for ex-Folkestone resident Walter Tull. Sign the petition a http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/waltertull/index.html

To be kept up to date with the progress of the campaign join the Facebook group in support of the Walter Tull campaign at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33844959524&ref=ts

For educational resources about the life of Walter Tull visit www.crossingthewhiteline.com