Walter Tull, 18888-918 officer, footballer by Phil Vasili

[Glenn R]

I’ve also finished reading a biography of Walter Daniel John Tull; “Walter Tull, 1888- s1918; officer, footballer" by Phil Vasili) he was one of Britain’s first black infantry officers. A black Briton in a society where there were few others. He was also a football and played for the mighty Spurs, Clapton and Northampton Town. As a player he was praised, idolised, denigrated and abused. As an infantry officer he was loved, respected, ridiculed and humiliated. He led White troops into battle on the Western and Italian fronts when the Manual of Military Law forbade non-Europeans from becoming comb at officers.
He was recommended for a Military Cross; but it was never received. This was for his bravery and leadership in Italy, he died at the second Battle of the Somme on 25 March 1918.

If you are interested in Spurs history then this book is worth reading.