Few people have heard the name of Walter Tull. Those who have, rarely appreciate the relevance of his contribution to both sport and service to King and Country.
His early life was marred with personal tragedy, and has he grew up he continued to face hardship and misfortune. Despite this deprived start in life, his conviction to succeed, guts and skill, helped him to shape a career in football.
Remembrance commemorations take place every year across the world with the Poppy taking Centre stage as a symbol of peace. These events are an opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by all communities regardless of Colour, Creed or race.
Retired Captain and WAWI Member, Kevin Junor led the Parade in Bolton, Canada. https://www.caledonenterprise.com/community-story/7847977-in-photos-bolton-remembrance-day-ceremony/
William Stephen Palmer Tull, 1882 - 1920
William Stephen Palmer Tull was the eldest brother of Second Lieutenant Walter Daniel John Tull notable for having been a professional football star and the first black combat officer to be killed in the Great War.
22nd June 2017 at Windrush Square, Brixton saw a permanent memorial to African and Caribbean servicemen and women unveiled in a ceremony attended by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-ever-memorial-to-african-and-c…
During a visit to the National Army Museum I came across a newspaper article related to the 3rd West India Regiment based in Sierra Leone.
Whilst preparing to leave Sierra Leone the soldiers of the West India Regiment came upon a goat and decided to claim him as their mascot. The goat happily accompanied them for several miles as they marched back to the dock where their boat was moored ready to take them back to Jamaica.
Written by T.M
On the 30 June 2016 I had the privilege of attending the unveiling of the Mary Seacole memorial statue at St. Thomas Hospital, London; honouring the Jamaican nurse known for her work and compassion to soldiers during the Crimean war 1855-1856.
The Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Own)25 (now 32) (Toronto) Service Battalion
Article / February 22, 2016 / Project number: 16-0012
Toronto, ON — “We are not rich but we have access to privilege.”
Captain (Retired) Kevin Junior’s favourite saying originated with his daughter Shana when she was nine, but it could be the definition of his life.
Written by Sathesh Alagappan
Today footballers of West Indian and African descendents are a familiar site in English football. For the most part, they are able to play the game as equals, and have had a significant role in shaping modern football.
However, in the 1970's and 1980's, black footballers were a rare sight. It took a brave wave of first and second generation West Indian migrants to break the mould. They faced discrimination and rampant racism from fans, but they helped change the face of football.
The Quarter deck of an 18th Century Royal Navy warship was not a place one would expect to see much in the way of racial diversity. Despite this, at least one black man enjoyed a career as an officer that spanned 30 years. He even commanded a number of sloops, schooners and frigates.
His name was John Perkins (1745-1812) nicknamed Jack Punch.
He rose from obscurity to be one of the most successful ship captains of the Georgian Navy. His obituary in the Navy Chronicle described his actions while in command of the schooner Punch:
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