Walter Tull, footballer and WW1 hero, takes his place in history

Former Premier League hard man Vinnie Jones and actor David Morrissey are to appear in a new film celebrating the life of Walter Tull, the first black British Army officer to lead white troops into battle.

Tull, who died fighting on the Somme in 1918, will be played by Nathan Ives-Moiba who has already impressed in the role on stage. He was also the second black professional footballer to play in Britain, for Tottenham Hotspur, which he joined in 1909.

After almost a century of near anonymity, Tull has become something of a cult figure and will take centre stage in schools at Black History Month, which begins on Tuesday. A touring theatre production, The Hallowed Turf, will also celebrate his achievements.

The film, simply titled Tull, is set to star the Oscar-nominated Yorkshire actor Tom Wilkinson as Herbert Chapman, the man considered the first modern football manager, who became a mentor to the orphan Tull.

Shooting of Tull begins next year, with release planned for July 2016, the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/walter-tull-footballer-and-ww1-hero-takes-his-place-in-history-9761171.html