#BATTALION11: The Unwavering Courage of William Neilson Edward Hall VC

Battalion, Attention! RMS Riggs here for #Battalion11 and today's man of the hour, William Neilson Edward Hall, who rose from humble beginnings in Nova Scotia to etch his name in the annals of history.

Hall, whose parents found freedom from slavery on Canadian soil, chose the sea as his first battleground, demonstrating his seafaring prowess before his 18th birthday. His journey took a significant turn in 1852 when he traded the American merchant navy's mast for the stern decks of the British Royal Navy.

Amidst the Crimean War's chaos aboard HMS Rodney, Hall's valour was unflinching, earning him the Turkish Crimea and British Crimea medals. His true grit shone during the Indian Mutiny, where, as "Captain of the Foretop" on HMS Shannon, he sailed not to China but towards a beleaguered Lucknow. There, under a hail of enemy fire, Hall and Lieutenant James Young stood alone, their tenacity breaking down not just the physical barriers at the Shah Najaf mosque but also the metaphorical barriers of race and rank.

William Hall's heroism was recognized with the Victoria Cross, making him the first Nova Scotian and the first Black recipient of this most prestigious military honour. Yet upon his return to Nova Scotia, his extraordinary contributions fell into the shadows until a royal visit in 1901 brought a momentary spotlight.

After his passing in 1904, it took half a century for his grave to be marked and his service to be celebrated as it deserved, with a cairn and a plaque by the Royal Canadian Legion. His story, from anonymity to acclaim, serves as a beacon of resilience and duty.

Read more about Hall's Victoria Cross at the following link (https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/victoria-cross/william-hall)

Lest we forget. RSM Riggs,

#RememberingOurHeroes #HermieTheTrailblazer #Battalion11