Walter Tull is one of the remarkable sons of Folkestone.

43FLK - Walter Tull

He was born in Folkestone in 1888 and attended North Board School (now Mundella School). After being orphaned at an early age Walter moved to a children’s home in London. He was later talent spotted by Tottenham Hotspur football club and became a footballer, first for Tottenham and later for Northampton Town.

Walter enlisted for the Army in 1914 and subsequently became the first black officer in the British Army; he was killed in action on 25th March 1918.

From the collection of Step Short

 

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