Course Learning

Walter Tull was born in Kent, England, in 1888.

Walter’s mother, Alice, was from Kent, and his father, Daniel, came to England from Barbados. This meant Walter grew up in a family with different backgrounds and cultures.

When Walter was young, his father sadly died in 1897.

Because it became difficult to look after the family, Walter and his brother were moved to a children’s home (orphanage) in East London, where they lived and were cared for.

While at the orphanage Walter played a range of sports, including football and cricket. He is pictured here with the orphanage football team. He would go on to play professionally for Tottenham Hotspur.

After school Walter played for amateur team Clapton Football Club. He was good enough to join Tottenham Hotspur, one of London's top professional teams. (Image from an article by John Fennelly in Hotspur magazine.)

Although people commented on his cool play and accurate passing, Walter lost his place at Tottenham. He moved to Northampton Town Football Club where he was successful, playing 110 matches during his time there.

Professional football was suspended until after the war was over. Walter and many other footballers decided to join the Football Battalion. A battalion was a main fighting unit with around 1,000 men.

• Walter joined the Football Battalion and was quickly promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
• In 1916 Walter went back to England to train as an Officer.
• He became the first black officer to lead soldiers on the front line.

• In May 1917 Walter was commissioned to the rank of Officer.
• On the 25th March 1918, Walter led soldiers in an attack on German trenches.
• The German machine-guns opened fire and Walter was shot dead.
• His body was not found.