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)
*A commissioned officer commands a military unit.
Transcript
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 |
- What was Walter Tull’s full name?
- When was his birthday?
- Was Walter Tull married?
- Did he have siblings? Can you find out?
- Was he able to ride?
- What age was he when his parents died?
- Did he have any other job apart from being a sergeant? Can you find out?
- Did Walter eventually become an officer? Can you find out?
- How old was he when he died? Can you find out?
- Use this document to explain why he was important in history.
- How do you think he felt being the first African-Caribbean man to change history in this way?