William Nelson Edward Hall

The Date of Birth for William Hall is not know for sure, but consensus is that he was born in Horton's Buff Nova Scotia, on April 28, 1827. His parents were free Black slaves, rescued from slavery by a British Frigate during the War of 1812. He joined the crew of a Trading Vessel and by the age of 18 had seen many of the most important ports in the world.

In 1852 he enlisted in the Royal Navy and served as an Able Seaman during the Crimean War and won the Turkish and British Crimean Medal with "Sevastopol" and "Inkerman" clasp.He was a member of the Naval Brigade and assisted ground forces by manning heavy guns.
During the India Uprising, Hall was appointed "Captain of the Foretop" aboard the HMS Shannon. Hall and a Brigade of soldiers were ordered to head to Lucknow to relieve the British Garrison.

Hall was a member of a four man gun crew that was supporting British troops trying to breach the walls of the Shah Najal Mosque. The guns were under Rebel fire and all but Hall and an officer, Lieutenant James Young were killed. After Young was injured Hall continued to load and fire the last gun, until the wall was breached, giving the British garrison enough room to scramble through.

The Victoria Cross Citation Published in the London Gazzette February 1, 1859 read: "Lieutenant (now Commander) Young, late Gunnery Officer of Her Majesty's Ship "Shannon" and William Hall, "Captain of the Foretop" of that vessel, were recommended by the late Captain Peel for the Victoria Cross for their gallant conduct at a 24 Pounder gun brought up to the angle of the Shah Nujjif at Lucknow, on the 16th November 1857."

William Hall was the first Nova Scotian and first Black person to receive the Victoria Cross.
He retired in 1876 with the rank of Petty Officer First Class. He returned to Nova Scotia and lived with his sisters on a farm. Hall lived in relative obscurity and unfortunately, he died on August 25, 1904 (of paralysis) in poverty and anonymity and his Victoria Cross was sold to settle his estate debts.  He was buried in an unmarked grave without military honours. It seems Black people in Canada at that time were not well respected.  In 1954 his body was re-interned in the grounds of Hartsport Baptist Church. A cairn was erected in his honour which included an enlarged bronze replica of his Victoria Cross.

In 1967 his medals were returned to Canada from England and are on display at the Nova Scotia Museum in Halifax. His Victoria Cross is on a Blue Ribbon to represent the Royal Navy. Since 1918 all Victoria Cross Medals are on a Crimson Ribbon.

Obituary from The Register, Berwick, N.S.

September 8, 1904

William Hall, V.C.

William Hall, of Horton Bluff, the colored man who won the Victoria Cross during the Indian Rebellion, died on Thursday, August 25^th, aged 78 years. Mr. Hall entered the British navy at an early age, and served his country faithfully for many years. At the relief of Lucknow he was one of a squad of mariners who volunteered for a very difficult service, and he received the Cross for standing to his gun while the company were engaged in blowing open a gate to make an entrance to the city. He and another man were left alone to work the gun, their comrades having been killed, and by their pluck and perseverance succeeded in effecting an entrance for the British troops. Twenty years ago Mr. Hall left the navy and settled at Horton Bluff, where he has dwelt since on a small farm. He was well known, and highly respected by all. At the time of the visit of the Duke of York to Halifax Mr. Hall journeyed to the city, and was kindly received by His Royal Highness. He is said to have been the only colored man who ever held the coveted Victoria Cross. He was unmarried, and lived with two sisters, Mrs. Robinson and Miss Rachel Hall. The funeral took place on Saturday, burial being made at the Brooklyn cemetery, near Lockhartville. – Acadian.