Indian Mutiny Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Nova Scotia, Canada, he was the son of a freed slave when he volunteered for the Royal Navy as an Able Seaman before 1852. On November 16, 1857, Able Seaman was part of the Naval Brigade from HMS Shannon which helped to relieve the British Residency at Shah Nujeff, Lucknow, India. He alongside Royal Navy Lieutenant Thomas Young the battery's commander, held their position manning 24-Pounder Gun and were the only survivors, after all the rest having been killed or wounded. For his gallantry in action, he was presented with the Victoria Cross on October 28, 1859 and was the first Black man and the first Canadian seaman to receive the award. He remained in the Navy, rising to the position of Quartermaster and Petty Officer on the HMS Peterel, before he retiring in 1876. Later in life, he managed his farm in in Nova Scotia, Canada, until his death at age 77. In February 2010, the Canada Post released a stamp to celebrate the remarkable story of William Hall, as the first Black to be honored with the Victoria Cross.
Indian Mutiny Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Nova Scotia, Canada, he was the son of a freed slave when he volunteered for the Royal Navy as an Able Seaman before 1852. On November 16, 1857, Able Seaman was part of the Naval Brigade from HMS Shannon which helped to relieve the British Residency at Shah Nujeff, Lucknow, India. He alongside Royal Navy Lieutenant Thomas Young the battery's commander, held their position manning 24-Pounder Gun and were the only survivors, after all the rest having been killed or wounded. For his gallantry in action, he was presented with the Victoria Cross on October 28, 1859 and was the first Black man and the first Canadian seaman to receive the award. He remained in the Navy, rising to the position of Quartermaster and Petty Officer on the HMS Peterel, before he retiring in 1876. Later in life, he managed his farm in in Nova Scotia, Canada, until his death at age 77. In February 2010, the Canada Post released a stamp to celebrate the remarkable story of William Hall, as the first Black to be honored with the Victoria Cross.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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