This is a fascinating, moving, inspiring story of an extraordinary man. This new book gives a warm and sympathetic biography of a man who really did achieve against all odds and was much liked by his comrades – Strongly Recommended.
NAME: Against All Odds, Walter Tull, The Black Lieutenant FILE: R2665 AUTHOR: Stephen Wynn PUBLISHER: Pen & Sword BINDING: hard back PAGES: 128 PRICE: £16.99 GENRE: Non Fiction SUBJECT: WWI, World War One, First World War, World War 1, amateur footballer, professional footballer, 17th (Football) Battalion Middlesex Regiment, trench warfare, Western Front ISBN: 1-52670-404-8 IMAGE: B2665.jpg BUYNOW: http://tinyurl.com/yc9242us LINKS: DESCRIPTION: This is a fascinating, moving, inspiring story of an extraordinary man. This new book gives a warm and sympathetic biography of a man who really did achieve against all odds and was much liked by his comrades – Strongly Recommended. Walter Tull and his brother ended up in a children's home in East London. Not the best start in life for anyone. Walter was to prove an exceptional man who was well-liked by all who met him. He demonstrated skill as a footballer, initially as an amateur and then as a professional playing for Tottenham Hotspur. Had the First World War not broken out, he might well have become an important and successful footballer. Certainly his performance at Tottenham, and then at Northampton Town, promised great things for a future in the sport. Walter felt the need to serve and became a soldier. One of the aspects of the British Army in WWI was it encouraged the formation of units that grouped friends and neighbours together. Walter became a Private in the 17th (Football) Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment. In his case, the unit was primarily for footballers, but it was essentially based on the same concept as the 'Pals' Battalions where friends and neighbours joined together and formed a strong mutual bond. Walter soon demonstrated his ability, rising rapidly to the rank of Sergeant. Along the way, he formed friends and was very well liked and respected by his comrades. His qualities earned the recommendation for a commission and he passed out as a 2nd Lieutenant in May 1917. He became the first black officer in the British Army, leading white soldiers into battle and was fondly regarded by the men who served under him. Sadly he died a hero in battle, leading an attack on a German defensive position in March 1918, one of the many fine young men who were lost to the war. Inevitably his colour will be remarked on and it may well have presented barriers to be overcome, but Walter was regarded and remembered fondly as a leader, soldier and footballer, a friend and comrade who could be depended on.