The latest comic edition in the FURD Pioneers series,'TULL', tells the inspirational story of a young Black man from an East London Orphanage who became a star footballer with Clapton FC, Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town, signing for Glasgow Rangers during World War 1.
First Black officer to lead White troops into battle
Walter Tull volunteered for the Football Battalion in the First World War and became the first Black Officer to lead White British troops into battle. He was recommended by his commanding officer for a Military Cross, which was never awarded, despite 37,000 MCs being presented to Junior Army Officers during WW1. There is an ongoing campaign to award Walter a posthumous Military Cross.
How to get a copy
We ask for a donation to FURD of £2 per copy plus £1.50 postage and packing. All donations will go towards the work of the FURD Resources Library. You can either:
-Buy in person from reception at the U-Mix Centre, 17 Asline Road, Sheffield S2 4UJ.
-Send a cheque payable to 'Football Unites, Racism Divides' to FURD at the above address.
-To purchase by direct payment our bank details are:
Bank: Unity Bank
Sort code; 60-83-01
Account number: 20322580
If paying by bank transfer, please use a reference such as 'Tull comic' and email enquiries@furd.org.
If you want to order a large quantity, please email enquiries@furd.org or call us on 0114 2587787 for details.
Issues 1 and 2 in the FURD Pioneers series, 'Arthur Wharton, Victorian Superstar' and 'Albert Johanneson, the First Black Superstar' are also available from FURD for a suggested donation of £1 per copy, (postage free if purchasing with the Tull comic).
Messages of support
Derby County's Nick Blackman, currently on loan at Sporting Gijon:
"This comic about Walter Tull looks great! Top work FURD and good to see @PFA supporting! It's important we continue to raise awareness of this amazing man and his achievements".
Tom Stoppard (Playwright):
"Walter Tull's story is one of a myriad of lost histories that make up our national story, and one of the most inspiring. It resonates in the echo chamber of our national sport when a black footballer was the black swan in the beautiful game".
Ledley King (ex-Spurs and England footballer):
"Walter Tull became the nation's first black professional outfield player in the first division when he joined Tottenham Hotspur over 100 years ago. Since that time, developments in professional football have seen the recognition of players based on their skills and their contribution to the sport - not on their colour. I am proud to be part of that tradition. His story needs to be known by everyone".
Further information
'TULL' was written and researched by Howard Holmes, illustrated by Archie Birch, and edited by Phil Vasili, who also acted as historical consultant on behalf of the Walter Tull Heritage and Legacy Project.
For more information on the Walter Tull story contact Howard Holmes on 07973 414 722 or Phil Vasili on 07941 354 895
Follow the link below to our Twitter post to view the front cover.