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This is Walter Tull.

Walter Tull with a football trophy.
  • He was born in Folkestone, Kent on the 28 April 1888.

  • He was one of Britain鈥檚 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.

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Watch: The life of Walter Tull

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Photograph of Walter Tull at a football ground in the early 1900s

What did Walter Tull do?

  • Walter's father was a carpenter from Barbados. His mother was from Kent.
  • Both Walter鈥檚 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.
Photograph of Walter Tull at a football ground in the early 1900s
Walter Tull in his soldier's uniform.
  • 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.
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Walter Tull's name is inscribed on the Arras Memorial

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.
Walter Tull's name is inscribed on the Arras Memorial
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Activity 鈥 Walter Tull quiz

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