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Relatives gather to remember Walter Tull

by Graham Tutthill

More people have pledged their support to the campaign for former East Kent schoolboy Walter Tull to receive the Military Cross for his courageous leadership in the First World War.

A book about Walter’s life was launched at The Grand Hotel in Folkestone on Friday, an event attended by the Deputy High Commissioner for Barbados, and some of Walter’s surviving relatives.

It has been written by Phil Vasili who said it was time the injustice of Walter not receiving the medal was put right.

"The family have the letters of recommendation," said Mr Vasili. "He thoroughly deserved it. Officers were not normally allowed to tell members of a family that such a recommendation had been made. I think they consciously made the decision to tell the Tull family.

"The MOD say it would set a precedent. They broke the rules in making him an officer because it suited them, so they can set a precedent again and award him the Military Cross. I think that wrong should be righted.

"If he is to get it, it will come about by the force of public opinion."

Donville Johnson, Deputy High Commissioner for Barbados, said that while details of Walter’s life were known in this country, little was known of him in Barbados.

"People in Barbados will now be made aware of him and copies of this book will be distributed to all the libraries and schools," he said.

"There is another Walter Tull in Barbados and I will be contacting him so more research can be done.

"We will also pledge to be a partner with you in the fight for recognition of that Military Cross for Walter.

"If there was ever a time when young people needed positive role models, it is now."

Peter Daniel, from Westminster City Archives, explained how he became involved in the research of Walter’s life, and involved the children from Mundella School - which Walter attended - in making a film about him, and performing a musical in London.

Children from the school sang two of the songs at the book launch.

John Hughes, from Action for Children - the new name for the National Children’s Home - said the book offered a tantalising glimpse of life at the home in Bonner Road, Bethnal Green. "Walter Tull is the embodiment of the values of Action for Children," he said.

"We are proud to be associated with this man, this leader of men, a role model for young and old. He was a hero."

Folkestone Mayor Cllr Janet Andrews revealed that two plaques commemorating Walter Tull are to be installed in the town, one in the Garden of Remembrance and the other at Mundella School.

"His achievements will encourage others to make their mark in life," she said.

Dover Mayor Cllr Sue Jones paid tribute to the research carried out by the Dover War Memorial Project into Walter Tull’s life and said there could be further fascinating tales like Walter’s to be discovered.A television documentary and drama about Walter’s life were broadcast in 2008, and a play is now to be performed.

The book, All The Guns In France Couldn’t Wake Me, is published by Raw Press, and is available from www.rawpress.co.uk, phone 0207 585 2350.