Pioneering black footballer Walter Tull should be awarded a Military Cross for his role in World War I, an MP has told Parliament.
Brian Binley MP has tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to posthumously award the medal and has already gained support from MPs of the three major parties.
Tull's story has provided inspiration for generations, and last year, Labour MP Keith Vaz backed a campaign to see a statue of Tull erected.
Hero
Born in Folkestone in 1888, Tull signed as a professional for Tottenham Hotspur in 1909. In October 1911, he moved to Northampton Town where he scored nine goals in 110 senior appearances.
When the First World War broke out, be became the first Northampton player to sign up to join the 17th (1st Football) Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment, and in November 1915 his battalion arrived in France.
Tull had impressed during his time in the army and it was recommended that he should be considered for promotion. Despite military regulations forbidding "any negro or person of colour" being an officer, Tull received his commission in May, 1917.
He died on the battle field serving his country on 25th March 1918.
Legacy
Tull's legacy has been recognised by both Northampton Town and Tottenham Hotspur, with Tottenham taking part in the Walter Tull Trophy against Rangers, the club Tull was due to join before war broke out.
Speaking about the latest calls for Tull to be honoured, Mr Binley said: "Like many Northampton Town supporters I have heard much of Walter Tull and his impact on the side in the early Twentieth Century. He was tragically killed in the First World War and, despite calls at time for him to be given a medal for gallantry, he missed out because of his ethnicity.
"That is simply wrong and I have been lobbying the Government for the last few months to recognise that fact and award the Military Cross to him.
Cause
"I have been surprised at the amount of MPs who have heard of Walter and consequently I was encouraged to table an Early Day Motion to further promote this cause. If we can reach more than fifty signatories then the Government should be obliged to give serious consideration over the award and I will continue to lobby hard to see this injustice righted."
Despite his service and being commended by his commanding officer at the time for his "gallantry and coolness", the Ministry of Defence has said it cannot award the medal because his case now falls outside the time period allowed for posthumous acknowledgement.
But if Mr Binley can get 50 MPs to support his motion, the Government will be forced to give the matter serious consideration.
