William Hall: First Black Recipient Of The Victoria Cross
William Nelson Edward Hall (1827 – 1904) was the first Black person, the first Nova Scotian, and one of the first Canadians to receive the Victoria Cross.
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded by the British Military. It is given for bravery, daring, and valour in the face of an enemy. The first medals were handed out in 1856, going back to deeds from 1854.
A Brief History Of William Edward Hall
William Edward Hall was born to Jacob and Lucy Hall in Horton, Nova Scotia. His parents had previously been enslaved in America and moved to Canada as a result of the War of 1812.
Hall grew up on the family farm and as a young man, he worked in shipyards at Hantsport. In 1844, when he was 17, he began seafaring. His first position was as a merchant seaman on an American trading vessel. In 1852, he joined the Royal Navy in Liverpool, England as an Able Seaman and received multiple medals for his service in the Crimean War.
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By 1857 he was serving on HMS Shannon as Captain of the Foretop. (He was responsible for the crew climbing and rigging the sails on the foremast.) During this time, Hall volunteered to be sent to Lucknow, India with a relief force. A small British garrison was under siege by a sepoy army and needed aid.
Hall was one of about 400 seamen, marines, captains, and officers to make their way to the garrison. Fighting all the way, they joined a second relief force in Cawnpore before making their way to Lucknow. Once there, the entire Shannon crew fell except for Lieutenant Thomas Young and Hall. Despite the situation, Hall continued to fight until relief came.
William Hall Receives The Victoria Cross
William Nelson Edward Hall's display of bravery earned him the Victoria Cross on October 28, 1859.
“I remember that after each round we ran our gun forward until at last my gun’s crew were actually in danger of being hurt by splinters of brick and stone torn by the round shot from the walls we were bombarding.” — Willam Edward Hall
His naval career continued until 1876. By this time he was a Quartermaster. Following his discharge, he moved back to Nova Scotia, where he lived with his sister and farmed until he passed away in 1904.
Today, his grave can be found at the Hantsport Baptist Church marked by a monument, and his medal is displayed at the Nova Scotia Museum.
William Edward Hall is just one example of the many contributions of Black people in Canada’s history. Despite the racism of the time, he was able to distinguish himself through his bravery, determination, and courage.
William Hall: Questions & Answers
William Hall was a Canadian naval officer and hero who became the first Black person and the first Nova Scotian to receive the Victoria Cross. He served in the Royal Navy and earned the prestigious medal for his bravery during the 1857 Siege of Lucknow in India.
Hall’s achievements broke racial barriers and highlighted the contributions of Black Canadians in military history. His courage and dedication paved the way for greater recognition of Black servicemen in Canada.
William Hall was born in Horton Buff (now Lockhartville), Nova Scotia, in 1827. His parents were formerly enslaved African Americans who had escaped to Canadaat the end of the War of 1812.
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valor in the face of the enemy. William Hall received it for his heroic actions at the Siege of Lucknow, where he continued to fire his cannon despite being under heavy attack, helping British and allied forces secure victory.
William Hall is commemorated in Canada through plaques, schools, and a naval vessel named HMCS William Hall. He was also featured on a Canada Post stamp, and his legacy is celebrated as part of Black history in Canada.
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