Walter Tull (1888-1918) was of dual heritage, his mother was white British and his father was African-Caribbean. Tull was commissioned* as an officer in 1917 at a time when the army required officers to be of ‘pure European descent.’ This was an important challenge to a racist policy. For his army service he was recommended a Military Cross. This is his application for a temporary commission form, 1917, (Catalogue ref: WO 339/90293) Watch our ‘Unboxing the Archive‘ video about Tull on YouTube.
*A commissioned officer commands a military unit.
Transcript
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APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO A TEMPORARY COMMISSION IN THE REGULAR ARMY FOR THE PERIOD OF THE WAR
The candidate will complete the following particulars and obtain certificates below as to the character and educational qualification.
| 1. Name in full (Surname
( Christian names |
Tull, Walter Daniel |
| 2. Date of birth | April 28th 1888 |
| 3. Whether married | No |
| 4. Whether of pure European descent | No |
| 5. Whether a British subject by birth or naturalization. (State which, and if by naturalization attach a certificate from the Home Office | By Birth |
| 6. Nationality by birth of father (if naturalized, state date). | West Indian |
| 7. Permanent address | 419, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow |
| 8. Present address for correspondence | 23rd Battalion Middlesex Regiment, “C” Company, B.E.F.[British Expeditionary Force] |
| 9. Whether now serving, or previously served, in any other Government Department (Home, Indian, or Colonial). If so give particulars. | Now serving.
21 months in 17th Battalion Middlesex Regiment 2 months in 23rd Battalion [Middlesex Regiment] |
| 10. Whether able to ride | No. |
| 11. Whether now serving, or previously served, in any branch of His Majesty’s Naval or Military Forces, or in the Officers Training Corps. If so state:-
(a). Regiment, Corps, or Contingent (b). Date of appointment (c). Rank (d). Date of retirement, resignation or discharge (e). Circumstances of retirement, resignation or discharge |
17th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment
December 21st 1914 Sergeant |
|
Whether an application for a commission has been previously made, if so, on what date and for what branch of the service.
|
Nil. |